THE big event is nearly here as the mighty Ironman triathlon returns to Weymouth – a high profile sporting fixture bringing a major boost to the local economy.

More than 2,600 athletes representing many different countries will slog it out in the Ironman 70.3 event tomorrow (Sunday).

It starts at Lodmoor at 7am with a 1.2m swim in Weymouth Bay followed by a 56-mile cycle ride around the countryside and then a 13.1 mile run in Weymouth finishing at the Pavilion.

Spectators are expected to line the seafront to cheer on the competitors.

The first finishers are due in from 10.45am with athletes coming in throughout the day until after 4pm.

It is warned that temporary road closures in areas of Weymouth and west Dorset will affect travel tomorrow, so people should plan ahead.

Ironman is returning with a shorter 70.3m (half) distance race, meaning roads will open much earlier than last year’s full distance event.

Organisers say they have learnt from last year when there was travel disruption around the cycle route, and have been engaging with the community.

They have been working with Dorset County Council to ensure people have all the information they need to plan their journeys. See dorsetforyou.gov.uk for road closure information and restrictions.

See also these information documents

imwey bike overview 2017.pdf

imwey run road access 2017.pdf

imwey resident leaflet south west 2017 v2.pdf

imwey resident leaflet south east 2017 v2.pdf

imwey resident leaflet north 2017 v2.pdf

Traffic signs have been up for three weeks, thousands of letters and leaflets have been sent out and affected businesses contacted.

Building work has been going on this week with marquees set up behind the Pavilion (expo and merchandise) and at Lodmoor Country Park (athlete facilities). Several miles of barriers will be erected.

Borough councillor Tia Roos attended an event with the race team this week and said she was very impressed with the organisation of Ironman, and how officials had gone “above and beyond” to ensure the community was aware of what was happening.

The town is set to benefit and many hotels are occupied, Cllr Roos said.

Race director Alan Rose said the event will be the biggest Ironman race in the UK this year in terms of the number of people competing, and the second biggest in Europe.

He said Weymouth was an extremely popular venue which “ticks a lot of boxes”.

Cllr Daryl Turner, Dorset County Council’s Cabinet member for natural and built environment, said: “We’ve been working closely with the organisers to get everything ready for what’s set to be a great event for Weymouth and Dorset.

“All the marshals have been given personalised briefing packs to their assigned marshalling position.

“County council staff will be marshalling 44 key points, bringing guaranteed professionalism and local knowledge.

“Anyone travelling on the day should plan their journey before leaving. There is lots of information available and signing on the route giving a helpline to call if needed on race day.

“Many triathletes have been in the area for the last week, with a number of them trying out the bike course.

“It’s looking like good weather on Sunday, and all the plans are in place for an excellent event, with more than 2,500 triathletes from around the world coming to our beautiful county, who I am sure will be made welcome.”