The highly anticipated wait for Ironman 70.3 Weymouth is nearly over

The triathlon will return to Dorset this Sunday (September 17) and will see athletes from across the world swimming, cycling, and running in an epic physical challenge.

The annual triathlon race, thought to be the ultimate one-day test of endurance, is made up of three parts, a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile cycle and a 13.1-mile run.

Ironman 70.3 Weymouth race director Lewis Peacock, said: “We can’t wait to welcome back thousands of athletes to the Jurassic Coast.

"The support of the locals in this beautiful part of the world makes for an extra special race day atmosphere. Being able to race in such a popular UK holiday destination is a privilege, and one we’re sure any first timers to the race will love.”

Map of the run course which leads athletes to the finish line (Image: Siya Ndzimande)

Former female winner of Ironman 70.3, Natalie Lawrence is returning to Weymouth where she will race to reclaim her crown.

Niall McGloin will also be taking part in the triathlon in memory of his Dad, Ray McGloin, who sadly passed away in August last year.

Ray founded the triathlon club Tri-Rivington UK based in Bolton and was a fantastic ambassador for the sport of triathlon with his emphasis on community spirit, a balanced lifestyle, and support for members and athletes both physical and mental health.

Tri-Rivington UK has produced countless IRONMAN finishers over the years and will continue to do so into the future thanks to the solid foundations Ray built and the continuing work of all the fantastic members at the club.

Road closures have been widely publicised, with many householders close to the racecourse receiving information through their doors about road closures.

Road closures:

Temporary road closures will be in place on the day of Ironman 70.3 for the cycling and running legs to ‘ensure the safety of athletes and the public’, organisers say.

Preston Beach Road at Greenhill will be fully closed between 4am and 6pm between Westerhall Road and Overcombe roundabout.

There will be managed access for residents living on the seafront of Greenhill south of Melcombe Avenue following a one-way system.

A single lane of the B3155/Greenhill from Westerhall Road down to King Street will be used for the run course.

The Esplanade between King Street and Westham Road will be closed southbound to traffic from 6am to 7pm.

The following roads will be closed from 6am to 7pm: Custom House Quay, Maiden Street, Helen Lane, East Street and Belle Vue.

Residential access and exit will be possible for Maiden Street and East Street with the one-way system reversed for the day.

The following car parks will be shut: Lodmoor Car Park from 7pm on Tuesday, September 12 to 6pm on Monday, September 18; Pavilion Front Car Park from Wednesday, September 13 at 5pm to Monday, September 18 at 6pm; the Pavilion Rear Car Park and the Beach Car Park will be closed all day on Sunday, September 17.

The bike course covers 56 miles of Dorset roads and includes the following closures in the Weymouth and Dorchester area.

The C12 to Cerne Abbas from Dorchester will be closed from 8.30am to 1.30pm and the B3143 from King's Stag to Puddletown will be shut from 7.30am to 12pm

In Dorchester the bike course goes along the B3143 Kings Road, Fordington, towards Max Gate and these roads will be fully closed between 8.30am and 1.30pm.

The A353 will be closed eastbound from Preston, Weymouth, to Warmwell from 6.30am to 10.15am, the B3390 from Warmwell to Waddock Cross will be closed from 7am to 10.30am/10.45am on the latter stretch of the road.

The A352 between Whitcombe and Dorchester will close between 8.30am and 1.30pm while Coombe Valley Road to Weymouth will shut from 8.30am to 1.45pm.

For a full list of road closures on the Ironman race day, see the website www.ironman.com/im703-weymouth-course.