ORGANISERS have hailed the return of Ironman Weymouth thanks to its 'incredible atmosphere' as athletes and crowds descended upon the town.

More than 1,500 athletes competed in a 70.3-mile course which involved a 1.3-mile swim in Bay, a 56-mile cycle ride through the Dorset countryside up North to King's Stag and back to Weymouth via the towns of Godmanstone and Dorchester.

The race ended with a 13.1-mile run along the Weymouth beachfront and Esplanade before coming back down again to finish at the Weymouth Pavilion.

The event, which took in many striking landscapes and scenic sights, also served as qualifying event for the 30 qualifying slots in the 2022 Ironman 70.3 World Championships.

Dorset Echo: Athletes on their bikes during the Weymouth Ironman triathlon. Picture: Graham Hunt Photography.Athletes on their bikes during the Weymouth Ironman triathlon. Picture: Graham Hunt Photography.

Dean Smith, race director of Ironman Weymouth 70.3, hailed the event’s return a success after a two-year absence and praised the ‘incredible atmosphere’ from crowds along Weymouth seafront.

He said: “Well done to all the athletes that took part in the event today. It felt good to be back racing in Weymouth, the local support from business and spectators is amazing and we look forward to returning every year.

“This year the atmosphere was incredible and the whole team worked hard to ensure that we gave athletes a memorable racing experience.”

Councillor Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, welcomed the prestigious event's return to Weymouth and described it as a 'valuable event for our local economy'.

He said: “It’s great to see Ironman back in Dorset for this prestigious event, which attracts athletes from across the world and gives our local athletes an opportunity to compete on home soil.

“This is a valuable event for our local economy and showcases our magnificent county to the thousands of sports enthusiasts who are part of the Ironman family.”

Stephen Derrett finished the day with his first Ironman 70.3 Weymouth win with a time of 04:12:47

Dorset Echo: 130206Runners on the Esplanade during the Weymouth Ironman triathlon. 19th September 2021. Picture Credit: Graham Hunt Photography.35130206Runners on the Esplanade during the Weymouth Ironman triathlon. 19th September 2021. Picture Credit: Graham Hunt Photography.35

Following the race, he commented; “I’m absolutely ecstatic, I fought so hard. I was in the lead at the start of the run, and I knew there were faster runners behind me, so I really went for it!

"The bike is my strongest discipline and once I got first place as I arrived at transition of the bike, I wasn’t letting it go!”

Joining Derrett as the Ironman 70.3 Weymouth champion was Rosie Weston winning Ironman 70.3 Weymouth before she goes pro next year.

Weston finished with an impressive time of 04:41:41.

She said: “I felt good on the swim, the bike was tough and I started to lag towards the end of the run but the crowds kept me going. When you’re struggling the volunteer and crowd cheers keep you going!”