ATHLETES will be descending on Dorchester for one of the most scenic triathlons in the South West this weekend.

The annual Dorchester Triathlon is part of the 1610 race series and takes place on Sunday, August 31.

It was postponed in May because of problems with the swimming pool roof.

Competitors will swim sixteen lengths or 400 metres of the 25-metre pool before heading out of Dorchester via Poundbury for a 24km cycle race towards the Hardy’s Monument near Portesham.

The final element of the triathlon is a 5km run from the Dorchester Sports Centre to Maiden Castle.

The Dorchester Triathlon is organised in partnership with Total Buzz Events, and the series consists of three 10km races and two sprint triathlons across Dorset, Somerset and Devon. It is being sponsored by Dorset Cereals, J2X Fitness and risk control service RiskSTOP.

1610 marketing and events coordinator, Paul Stimpson said: “The Dorchester Triathlon is a great community event for both novice and experienced athletes alike.

“The route showcases the stunning Dorset countryside and local historic sites which is what makes this event so unique, as well as being an inspiration for competitors and race spectators.

“Last year’s race was very well supported and we are hoping that the 2014 Dorchester Triathlon will be just as successful.”

The event was due to take place earlier this year but had to be postponed because the roof of the pool was damaged in the February storms.

A section of the main pool was roped off for several weeks for safety reasons while repairs were carried out.

A spokesperson for 1610 said at the time that the event was postponed ‘with great regret’ and anyone unable to take part on the rescheduled date in August was offered a refund.

The company worked with West Dorset District Council, which owns the building, to get the centre up and running as soon as possible following the damage.