Weymouth Half Marathon: When race starts, route, road closures and more

The popular event makes a triumphant return on Sunday, June 13, with between 1,000 and 1,200 athletes expected to take part.

This is what you need to know about this weekend’s Weymouth Half Marathon.

When is it taking place?

The event will start between 7.30am and 8am on Sunday, June 13.

Why is it taking place in June?

Just Racing, organisers of the Weymouth Half Marathon, postponed the event - which was initially due to take place in September 2020 - to March 2021, however, they have now postponed it again to June 13, 2021.

Those already entered have been automatically transferred to the new date in June, plus there are 100 additional spaces for anyone who wishes to sign up.

• Read more - Weymouth Half Marathon to return
• Read more - Half marathon will 'boost town's economy' as hundreds of athletes prepare to visit

What is the route?

The Weymouth Half Marathon route

The popular seaside half marathon provides runners with some outstanding scenery, history and the opportunity to set a pb on a pretty flat 13.1 mile course. 

Runners will take in a historical and scenic tour of Weymouth’s dramatic past and landscape through the town, harbour, sea front, country park and gardens.

The race follows a flat one-lap route along the Jurassic coastline through the spectator-friendly town centre.

Athletes will begin and end the race at the Weymouth Pavilion and will run along The Esplanade and through the town, taking in all the sites Weymouth has to offer.

What roads will be closed and when?

The following roads will be closed:

• Preston Road closed between Melcombe Avenue and Overcombe Corner mini roundabout (7am – 10am) The signed alternative route for traffic will be via the A353 and the A354
• The Esplanade closed between King Street (Clock Tower) and Pavilion car park (7am – 1pm)  
• Manned running crossing point on The Esplanade near its junction with Bond Street (7am – 1pm)  
• The Esplanade closed between Alexandra Gardens and Pavilion car park (7am – 1pm)  Access to Custom House Quay via Pilgrims Way, exit from Devonshire Place is via Custom House Quay and exit from Pavilion car park is via Custom House Quay
• Old Castle Road closed northbound between Sudan Road and Belle Vue Road (8am – 11.30am)
• Maiden Street closed from St. Alban Street (7am – 12pm) Exit via East Street
• New Street closed from St. Alban Street (7am – 12pm) Exit via East Street
• St Thomas Street closed between Trinity Road and St Edmund Street (at the town lifting bridge) (7am – 1pm)  
• Manned running crossing point across St. Edmund Street and St. Mary Street (7am – 12pm)  
• Manned running crossing point across Commercial Road at Lower St. Alban Street (7.15am – 1pm)

What social distancing measures are in place?

Organisers are now looking forward to the return of the event, which is taking place just eight days before the government is expected to lift all coronavirus restrictions on June 21 - although they expect it will be 'unique' due to the safety measures in place.

There will be a staggered start for runners, more hand sanitisation stations, less contact points and more.

Spectators will not be encouraged due to social distancing measures and to avoid crowds forming.

Alan Rose, director of Just Racing, said: "I am really excited for the event to return, although it is unfortunate in some respects it's not a week later, as we might not have to impose any kinds of restrictions.

"Measures including a staggered start, less contact points, more sanitising stations and face coverings indoors, and spectators are not to be encouraged as we don't want people hanging around after they have finished so we can avoid crowds."