Five members of Blackburn’s Sunbirds group, a community group with more than 100 members, took on one of Europe’s most extreme triathlon challenges.

Starting on Saturday, June 8, Abid Saleh, Ilyas Patel, Najeeb Dalal, Suhayle Master, and Askil Patel completed Bolton’s Ironman challenge, which consisted of a 1.9km open-water swim, a 90km bike race, and a half-marathon.

The event began with the swim at Pennington Flash in Leigh, before competitors cycled through Bolton’s countryside and finished with a run through the town centre, watched by thousands of spectators.

Abid Saleh said: “Less than a year ago, we started the Sunbirds Community with a view to engaging young people in triathlon.

“Since then, we have had 25 people complete half-marathons, 11 people complete the Manchester and London Marathons, and now five people finish the Bolton Ironman race while raising over £150,000 for various charities.”

The five athletes were supported throughout their training by the Muslim Triathlon Network, Bolton WolfPack Cycling Club, and Pendle Tri Club, helping them prepare for the challenge.

Bolton’s Ironman has a reputation within the triathlon community and is widely regarded as one of the most demanding courses in Europe for its varied terrain, technical sections, and unpredictable conditions.

Najeeb Dalal completed the course in just 5 hours and 48 minutes, faster than the average of 6.5 hours.

He said: “I started my triathlon journey only a few years ago, and this year I was able to complete the course in five hours and 48 minutes, which I’m so pleased with.

“It’s something everyone can achieve — you just need to put your mind to it and work hard.”

The Sunbirds Community hopes to have at least 10 competitors take part in the Bolton Ironman next year.

General registration for the 2027 edition will open later this month.

For more information, visit: https://www.ironman.com/races/im703-bolton