Team Parcours Member Katie Walker Wins Ironman 70.3 Bolton
Earlier this year, Parcours Ambassador team member, Katie Walker, was the overall amateur champion at IRONMAN 70.3 Bolton! We hear from the Pros, and their race reports, after a win or podium - (did you see Parcours Pro athlete Lizzie Raynor won IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea, part of the IRONMAN Pro Series last weekend), - but what is it like as an Amateur to cross the line first?
Parcours: Congratulations on your win at IRONMAN 70.3 Bolton - how does it feel?
KW: The win feels amazing, knowing that all the hard and dedication is paying off makes it really special. Becoming back-to-back champion feels even more meaningful and a really proud moment!
P: How did it feel to grab that winner's tape as you crossed the line?
KW: It is one of the best feelings, hearing the crowd roaring behind you is really special and the atmosphere is unbeatable.
P: Did you get to keep the tape?
KW: No unfortunately not but I do have one from the year before!
P: It was your second win, you were the defending champion. Did you feel any pressure going in?
KW: I definitely felt pressure, but it was pressure that I put on myself as I really wanted the win again. At the same time, I kept reminding myself to enjoy the race and that if I put together a performance that I knew was my best, then I could be proud of that.
P: Did the second win feel better, the same, or different than winning the first time?
KW: That feeling of grabbing the tape for the first time is so special, but this win felt different because the race went very differently to the year before. In 2025 I went onto the run 4 minutes down from the lead women, I knew after that race that I had to work hard to improve my bike, making it more of a priority in my training.
The hard work has been paying off. This year I was first women onto the bike out of T1 and held my position until around 30 miles in. Another athlete came past and I worked hard to stay close and we came into T2 together, ready to battle it out on the run for the win.
P: So how was your race? Did it play out how you wanted?
KW: My race was really enjoyable. I raced tactically, not pushing too hard when I didn’t need to, especially on the bike, to make sure I had strong legs for the run. I thought about 40 miles into the bike that this race would likely become a battle for the win on the run, and having a good run would be really important. My nutrition plan worked really well, I felt strong throughout the whole race. Bolton is a tough course, but I feel it really plays to my strengths, I love climbing and there is plenty of hills on the bike and run!
P: You came 9th in the 25-29AG at the IM 70.3 WC last year? What's the plan for this year?
KW: Last year was my most successful season in triathlon since I started three years ago. Finishing 9th at the World Championships in the 25-29 age group, was an amazing experience. My original plans for this season were to aim for a podium position at the World Championships but unfortunately, I declined my World Championships slot this year due to the expense. I have adjusted my season plans to race ‘Outlaw Middle’ in Nottingham on 26th July. I am really excited for this. It is the same course I raced in May, so I am looking forward to having another go at that course. The British triathlon scene is always really competitive so it will be a great race.
P: Do you prefer, swim, bike or run?
KW: My favourite is definitely the bike. I love training and racing on both my TT and road bike. My TT has my Parcours wheels on which feel amazing and so smooth to ride.
P: You live in Cornwall? How's the training down there?
KW: I am really lucky to have some fantastic training locations right on my doorstep. I live 10 minutes away from the promenade which is perfect for open water swimming. It is also flat along this promenade which is great for my long run sessions. For cycling there is a huge variety of routes to choose from. I can travel along the coastline or explore the country lanes. No route is flat which I feel helped me prepare really well for Bolton.
P: Wow did you get into triathlon?
KW: I got into triathlon when I was young. I remember competing in local cross-country races, swimming competitions, aquathlons and triathlons until I was 13/14. I continued running until about 17 then took a small break from it whilst studying at college.
During covid I got back to running for the enjoyment of it and keeping fit. My Dad has always been a cyclist and triathlete himself, competing up to the full ironman distance. He inspired me to get a bike and we trained for a 100 mile sportive that same year. This was quite the challenge! After this I decided to give triathlon a go, entering a standard distance, and finishing 3rd. This gave me the motivation to train hard and see what I could do. The following year I became the Cornish Triathlon Series Champion, then in 2024 I stepped up to the half ironman distance, which I have continued to race since!
P: What other races do you have coming up this year?
KW: My next race will be ‘Outlaw Middle’ on 26th July.
