WEYMOUTH residents have been urged to warmly welcome a celebrated triathlon event this weekend – even though it will seriously disrupt the local road network.

A number of road closures, diversions and parking restrictions are in place for Sunday's Ironman endurance which will see almost 3,000 athletes take on a gruelling swim, cycle and running challenge around Weymouth and surrounding countryside.

It is an internationally-renowned event which will provide an economic boost to the area. It follows on from the Challenge Weymouth triathlon which was held last year.

But motorists will have limited access to the town from 7am-6pm on Sunday.

Restrictions include the full closure of Preston Beach Road and Coombe Valley Road, Weymouth Esplanade closed between the Jubilee Clock and Pavilion (no access to the Pavilion side of the harbour), and Preston Road closed at points throughout the day. Other roads will be partially closed or closed one way as cyclists pass through.

Weymouth household recycling centre will be closed and there is no vehicular access to Lodmoor County Park car park.

Full details of road closures and advice for road users can be found at dorsetforyou.com/ironman2016

Ironman consists of a 70.3 (miles) event and the full Ironman triathlon which is double the distance. This is the first time in European Ironman history that both events will be held concurrently.

Athletes representing 57 countries will be battling it out on the course. There is a major cash prize for the winner and opportunities to qualify in the world championship.

It starts with a swim in Weymouth Bay from 6.50am followed by a cycle ride which leaves Lodmoor Country Park and goes to Crossways, Puddletown, Piddlehinton, up to Middlemarsh, back down the A352 to Dorchester, Coombe Valley and Weymouth. Full-length triathletes then do a further lap.

The final endurance is a run through Weymouth, finishing at the Pavilion. The first 70.3 athlete is due to finish from 10.40am and the first full distance competitor is due in from 4pm.

Spectators are encouraged to line the route and cheer on the athletes.

Borough councillor for Preston Ian Bruce said residents were disappointed about the restrictions affecting Preston Road but he urged locals to find other ways to get about and enjoy the spectacle of Ironman.

He said: "Plan your day, go and watch this fantastic event and if you're thinking of going out for Sunday lunch then use a local business near you."

Cllr Peter Finney, Dorset County Council’s Cabinet member for environment, infrastructure and highways, said: “This is a great boost for Dorset to attract such a prestigious sporting event.

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming Ironman together with all the thousands of competitors and spectators from around the world to Dorset. We are thrilled that Ironman have chosen our county to stage such a prestigious sporting event and we look forward to developing the relationship and the economic opportunities this brings to the area, for many years to come.”

Kevin Stewart, Managing Director for Ironman UK & Ireland added: “We have seen a fantastic response from athletes wanting to come and experience racing at this fantastic venue that has everything to offer for them and their supporters. With two races running concurrently and world class pros in action, we’re very much hoping we’ll see a big crowd turn out to support the athletes all the way to the finish line.”