LOCALS, organisers and athletes have hailed the success of Ironman Weymouth which returned after a two-year absence yesterday - providing a major economic boost for the area.
More than 1,500 athletes took on the 70.3-mile course which involved a 1.3-mile swim in the Bay, a 56-mile cycle ride through the Dorset countryside and ending with a 13.1-mile run along the seafront and finishing in front of Weymouth Pavilion.
The prestigious event is a qualifier for the 2022 Ironman 70.3 World Championships with 30 places up for grabs.
The men's winner was Stephen Derrett whose time was four hours, 12 minutes and 47 seconds while the women's winner was Rosie Weston who completed in four hours, 41 minutes and 41 seconds.
Multiple routes around Dorset were closed for several hours in order to allow the event to safely take place.
- 'What an awesome day' - Meet the athletes and families who cheered on their loved ones during Ironman Weymouth
Organisers had worked with Dorset Council and other groups and produced road closure maps with information for residents to be aware of allowing them to plan their travel arrangements well in advance.
Travel arrangements appeared to have worked well and no major issues or incidents were reported during the warm day, which saw temperatures as high as 20 degrees.
Thousands of residents, tourists and friends and families lined Weymouth seafront and also took up spots outside the town to cheer on their loved ones.
Speaking to crowds along Weymouth seafront, they welcomed the return of an event that was cancelled last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
One man from Dorchester said: “It is a bit surreal to see so many crowds after Covid-19 and all the social distancing measures.
“But to see people back on the seafront cheering on the runners was really nice."
Another resident, Sue, said: “It’s really nice to see people out and about. I am still keeping my distance and wearing a mask but it’s nice to applaud the runners going by.”
Athletes from across UK and other countries came to compete in the cross country race and stayed in local hotels and holiday parks, pouring thousands of pounds into the local economy towards the end of the holiday season.
Dean Smith, race director of Ironman Weymouth 70.3, hailed the event’s return a success and praised the ‘incredible atmosphere’.
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 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.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here