Weymouth IRONMAN today - follow live
This year's IRONMAN 70.3 kicks off in Weymouth at 07:20 - follow live here.
Last updated 19th Sep 2021
IRONMAN 70.3 Weymouth is back for 2021 after last year's race was cancelled due to the pandemic.
Thousands are expected to turn up for the race alone, bringing a much needed end of season boost to tourism.
Racers start with a swim in Weymouth Bay, followed by a 56 mile cycle around the county which takes them as far as the northern borders of the county.
The finish line is at Weymouth Pavilion at the end of a 13.1 mile run.
Road closures
There will be disruption throughout the county as the race gets underway. Diversions are n place and emergency services will still be able to get through where needed.
07:30 - Slight delay to the 07:20 start time but race gets underway with lots of swimmers jumping into the water.
08:09 - The first swimmers are out of the water, making their way towards the bikes. They now have a 56 mile cycle ahead of them. First runners are expected around 10:00.
08:42 - Alex Woodman is currently leading in the men's group, with Rosie Weston leading for women's.
This race has drawn folks of all ages and backgrounds. A 79 year old man is the oldest person taking part today, and a 74 year old the oldest woman. The youngest racer celebrates his 18th birthday today.
09:01 - Samuel Wyatt Haines is currently in second place on the cycle.
James from Cardiff is one of his family members cheering him on. He said:
"The mood is great, obviously this event's been a long time coming so it's a great atmosphere.
"Samuel is vying for a pro-license so he's probably been training for a good few years."
10:22 - First runners ditch their bikes and begin the last leg of the race - a 13.1 mile run to the finish line at Weymouth Pavilion.
10:45 - Spectators starting to arrive at the finish line.
Ironman staff say the first finishers may be crossing the line here at Weymouth Pavilion in the next 30 minutes, ahead of schedule. That's despite the 10 minute delay at the start of the race, so that will be an incredible achievement.
11:15 - Stephen Derrett leading and expected to finish first.
11:47 - Stephen Derrett, 30, passes finish line with a time of 04:12:47.
12:22 Rosie Weston, Bambrough, 23, is the first female finisher. She came through the line with a time of 04:41:41.
How did they manage it?
Greatest Hits Radio Dorset caught up with Stephen Derrett at the finish line. He said:
"The bike is my strongest discipline. I caught up to first place just as we arrived off the bike. I got changed into my trainers a bit quicker and that was the only reason I was in first.
"Once I was in first I was like 'I don't want to let this go' so I just fought and fought not to let anyone pass me."