ONE of south Dorset's most thrilling and gruelling events is returning for the first time in two years next week.

Ironman 70.3 Weymouth is back with a bang next Sunday (September 19) as more than 2,300 athletes are set to race across three endurance disciplines.

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The annual Ironman 70.3-mile Weymouth endurance event traditionally attracts hundreds of fundraising athletes and draws in thousands of spectators who line the streets.

The event consists of gruelling cycling, running and swimming courses.

Cycling

The 56-mile cycling course takes competitors through the rolling Dorset countryside to King's Stag and back to Weymouth via the towns of Godmanstone and Dorchester.

Running

The running event is a two-and-a-half loop, 13.1-mile course beginning at Lodmoor Country Park to the finish area, along The Esplanade in Weymouth.

Swimming

The swim is a one-loop 1.2-mile course from Weymouth Beach.

For the event to take place, a number of roads will be closed to allow the event to take place.

Dorset Echo:

Road closures

  • B3143 closed from 7.30am - 12pm
  • Gales Hill closed from 8am - 1.30pm
  • Westleaze closed from 8.30am - 1.30pm
  • A352 closed 8.30am - 1.30pm
  • Chalky Road closed 8.30am - 1.45pm
  • Littlemoor Road closed eastbound 6.30am - 1.45pm
  • B3155 closed 6.30am - 2pm
  • B3155 (Greenhil) closed 4am - 6pm
  • A353 closed 6.30am - 10.15am
  • B3390 closed 7am - 10.30am
  • Warmwell Road closed 7am - 10.30am
  • Redbridge Road closed 7am - 10.45am
  • Pallington Lakes Road and Ilsington Road closed 7am - 11am
  • Rhododendron mile and Two Droves closed 7.30 - 11.15am