Hundreds of local triathletes are gearing up for their big day as Ironman returns to the south coast for the first time in eight years.

The iconic sporting brand have now confirmed the bike course for Ironman and 70.3 Weymouth, which both take place on Sunday, September 11.

With a burgeoning triathlon community on the south coast, there has been a huge take up of entries from local athletes keen to take part in the pinnacle of one-day sporting endurance events taking place so close to home.

While both races are still open for registration, those considering the 70.3 are encouraged to enter soon with fewer than 100 places still remaining before the sold out sign goes up.

Both events will commence with a 2.4 mile (Ironman) or one lap 1.2 mile (70.3) swim in Weymouth Bay. This will be a rolling start swim, as is now implemented across all UK events to reduce congestion.

All athletes will exit the water after the first 1.2 mile lap, with Ironman athletes re-entering for a second lap.

The bike course will start and finish from transition in the heart of Weymouth, showcasing the best of the area across either a 112 mile (Ironman) two lap route or a 56 mile (70.3) single lap. This one or two lap anti-clockwise route promises to provide both speed, hills and beauty across rolling countryside and some charming villages.

Comprising just over 1,880m of elevation over the two laps, the 2,500 athletes will relish the spectator support to spur them on as they make their way from Weymouth via Osmington and through the picturesque villages of Puddletown, Piddlehinton and Cerne Abbas.

Notable changes have seen the removal of some of the smaller roads to offer a safer route for the larger number of participants anticipated. There will also be a new loop north of Dorchester, replicating some of the original Ironman Sherborne course in 2006.

Once the athletes have completed the bike course, the race concludes with either a 26.2 mile (Ironman) or 13.1 mile (70.3) run, comprising a two or four lap course respectively.

This multi-lap run will take the athletes around the town, harbour and the sea front. Lined with over 40 cafes, restaurants and bars, it offers outstanding spectator viewing and makes for an electric atmosphere to spur the athletes along to the finish line right up to the 8.5 hours (70.3) or 17 hours cut off time.

The event will mark the first time both an Ironman and an Ironman 70.3 race are held on the same day in Europe.

For many the big prize will simply be crossing the finishing line, but for those at the pointy end of things Ironman Weymouth will have 30 qualifying slots to the 2017 Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i.

Ironman 70.3 Weymouth will have 30 qualifying slots to the 2017 Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA. Professional athletes will compete for a total prize purse of $15,000 USD with the race offering P-500 KPR points as well.

Online entry and further information is available by clicking:

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