WEYMOUTH has been put on the sporting map ahead of one of the country’s biggest triathlon events.

Challenge Weymouth, which is taking place on September 14, has been included in the South West Region Senior Triathlon Series.

And Challenge Weymouth organisers say it will help promote the area as a top spot for triathlon events.

The series, organised by Triathlon England, was established to encourage those new and experienced athletes to enjoy some of the best races the SW region has to offer.

Races in the series are over varying distances, with the Challenge Weymouth event featuring half and full triathlons for teams and individuals.

Alan Rose, Challenge Weymouth event director, said: “It is great we have been included in the England SW Region Senior Triathlon Series as it helps promote Weymouth as a triathlon location to a larger audience and opens the sport up to more in the local area.”

Weymouth is already attracting some of the top names in UK triathlon scene and the event is set to provide a huge boost to the resort’s economy after more than 1,300 people took part in this year’s event in Henley-on-Thames.

Pro-triathletes Joel Jameson, Graeme Stewart, Craig Twigg and Stephen Bayliss have all signed up to race on September 14, 2014.

Challenge Weymouth race will open with a sea swim across Weymouth Bay. This will be followed by a rolling bike course through the local countryside before a run through the town.

The event will include both long and half distance triathlon events. More than 1,000 athletes have already pre-registered for next year’s triathlon.

Racers can opt for either long distance of 3.8km, 180km or 42.2km, middle distance of 1.9km, 90km or 21k or even to race as a relay team of three.

For more information visit challengeweymouth.com, or by following the team on Facebook ‘ChallengeUK’ and Twitter @ChallengeTriUk Challenge UK is part of the Global Challenge Series of long distance triathlons.