Road closures revealed for Weymouth Ironman 70.3
Around 2,700 athletes are expected for next month's endurance race that spans across Dorset
Thousands of Dorset residents are getting road closure notification leaflets through their doors ahead of the annual Weymouth Ironman 70.3 race.
It takes place on Sunday 19th September with road closures in place from as early as 4am.
More than 2,700 triathletes are expected to take part, which organisers say will bring an end of season boost to tourism in Dorset.
Dean Smith, Race Director told Greatest Hits Radio Dorset:
"We do very much thank the community. We do recognise there's some disruption. We absolutely try to keep it as short as we possibly can.
"We put diversion routes in place wherever we can, if there are carers that need to get to vulnerable people in the community we'll work with those people to make sure that can happen.
"There's no impediment to emergency services, so we really do everything we can to make the impact as low as possible."
It's expected the final road closures will be lifted around 2pm.
Carers and people with particular needs are encouraged to get in touch via the Ironman website so arrangements can be made if needed.
Last year's event was cancelled, like many others, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Boost for local economy
Dean said:
"We are expecting a full-field, which is great, bringing all these people into Weymouth for an end of season triathlon race so it should be fun for all the athletes that are coming into Weymouth, and also a bit of atmosphere and more people going to the hotels and restaurants around Weymouth.
"Obviously this year there has been less races that people can take part in, but traditionally the Weymouth one is a very popular event. It provides a superb location, it's a beautiful area, and the town gives us a great welcome and great support to all the athletes."
Ironman say there will be coronavirus safety measures in place and they're in discussion with local councils to keep everyone as safe as they can.
Those include one-way systems, face coverings and hand sanitisation measures.