ONE of the toughest challenges in the world for triathletes took over Weymouth this weekend– but it also proved a monumental challenge for residents.

As athletes battled it out for podium places for Ironman Weymouth and Ironman 70.3, motorists battled to make their way around the county, with some labelling the situation ‘absolute chaos'.

Sunday saw two races – the 70.3 mile event and the full Ironman triathlon, running concurrently for the first time in European Ironman history.

Crowds lined the harbour and esplanade to cheer on the champions.

The red carpet was rolled out at the finish line at Weymouth Pavilion, where on finishing athletes proudly received their medals before tucking into pizza and carb-loaded meals.

First to cross the line was Dorset man Harry Wiltshire, from Wareham, winning his first ever Ironman 70.3 race.

He said: “It was a really hard race. We worked as a group of three all day and had to push and I was lucky enough to get away half way through the run. I was trying to stay relaxed and cool about it and crossing the line. Winning the race is a fantastic feeling. There were cheers all the way along the prom and a lot of people knew my name and I was localish and were cheering for me and it was brilliant.”

“It’s my first 70.3 win and it’s not far from home which is cool.”

The champion is now looking ahead to the next challenge and the World Championships in three weeks time. He took time to encourage budding athletes in Weymouth and Portland to join up to their local clubs and follow in his footsteps.

He said: “To be a triathlete, join a local swim club, there’s a number of good ones here and that’s the way to start and how I started.”

Jan Hemingway, from Weymouth was out to support the athletes for the day on the seafront.

She said: “It’s quite exciting as we know somebody in the race. I live on Preston Road and was woken up very early.

“It’s well organised and really nice that Weymouth is doing so well.”

Jo Gomm, was out to support her son Peter Ames running in the race.

She said: “I think it’s fantastic for the town it really is to have events like this and to get residents behind it. It’s a glorious day.”

Winner of the woman’s 70.3 race, Emma Pallant, from Twickenham, said: “It’s really great. I’ve had a few podiums this year but never a win. To have my first win in England is the best and a really good feeling.

“There’s been so much support, especially on the run. The volunteers on the bike course and marshals were amazing and everyone cheering you on – the vibe was just brilliant. Thanks to all the supporters – they make these events.”

Planning of the race course was a massive undertaking with nearly 3,000 athletes aged 18 to 73 taking part. Roads were closed across Dorset as athletes from the 70.3 race completed a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride, a 13.1 mile half-marathon – whilst a further 900 athletes tackled the full Ironman distance, double that of a 70.3.

But hundreds of people have contacted the Echo to say they couldn’t move on the county’s roads– and some were prevented taking their cars off their driveways by marshals.

Director Alan Rose said “The race is amazing and all of the people out - the number of supporters has really struck me and I know the athletes really appreciate it - especially when some are out for 16 hours.

"Weymouth is a phenomenal place to hold a race.

"It couldn’t have been more picturesque. The conditions were amazing for the swim this morning with the sun coming up and by the cliffs

“And then the athletes getting to cycle all around the Dorset landscape – and then running all the way around the bay, harbour and town –the whole day has been unbelievable.”