THE 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 event takes place on Sunday (September 20) in Weymouth and Dorchester, with road closures and changes to car parks in place.

The event’s 10th year in the Dorset towns will once again see competitors complete a 1.2-mile swim in Weymouth Bay, followed by a 56-mile bike ride taking in Dorchester, finishing off with a 13.1-mile run.

And for the first time, IRONKIDS is also coming to Weymouth on Saturday (September 19), with up to 1,000 children aged from three to 15 running between 500 metres and 1.5 kilometres around the Pavilion area, finishing on the event’s famous red carpet.

Dorset Council has urged residents, businesses and visitors to plan ahead, with road closures, parking restrictions and travel changes set to be in force before and during the event weekend.

There will also be changes to household recycling centres in Weymouth and Dorchester on Sunday (September 20).

Cllr Richard Biggs, deputy leader and cabinet member for regeneration, economic growth and strategic assets, said: “We’re delighted to welcome IRONMAN 70.3 back to Weymouth and Dorchester as together we celebrate a decade of this competition in Dorset.

“With world-class sport, spectacular scenery and a warm Dorset welcome, this event has become a highlight of our sporting calendar. Each year it attracts thousands of athletes and supporters to our county, generating significant economic benefits for local businesses, accommodation providers, restaurants and attractions, while showcasing Dorset to an international audience.

“Over the past 10 years, IRONMAN 70.3 Weymouth has not only helped put Dorset on the global sporting map but has also brought valuable visitor spending into our local economy supporting jobs and businesses across the area.

“I’d like to extend a huge thank you to residents, businesses, volunteers and partner organisations for their continued support and cooperation. Their efforts help make this event such a success and ensure Dorset remains a fantastic destination for participants and their supporters.”

What Dorset residents need to know ahead of IRONMAN 70.3 in Weymouth and Dorchester

Road closures and restrictions for IRONMAN 70.3 on Sunday, September 20:

• Melcombe Avenue, Weymouth – restrictions between Cranford Avenue and Greenhill from 4am to 6pm.
  Greenhill, Weymouth – restrictions between Westerhall Road and Melcombe Avenue from 4am to 6pm.
• B3155 Greenhill – fully closed between Melcombe Avenue and Lodmoor Car Park from 4am to 6pm, with no vehicle access.
• B3155 Preston Road – fully closed between Lodmoor Car Park and Bowleaze Coveway from 4am to 6pm, with no vehicle access.
• Preston Road/Overcombe – the B3155 between Bowleaze Coveway and the A353 at Chalbury Corner will be affected from 6.30am to 2pm. Controlled access arrangements will operate for residents and essential journeys.
• A353 through Preston and Sutton Poyntz – closed to eastbound traffic from 6.30am to 10.15am. The road is due to reopen fully after 10.15am.
• A353 through Osmington – closed to eastbound traffic from 6.30am to 10.15am. Westbound traffic will continue under temporary arrangements.
• A353 towards Warmwell Cross – restrictions will operate between Chalbury Corner and the A352 at Warmwell Cross from 6.30am to 10.15am.
• Warmwell Cross/B3390 – restrictions begin at around 6.30am, with the cycle course travelling north towards Crossways.
• B3390 through the Crossways area – closed/restricted from around 7am. Crossways Club Campsite says there will be no access to or from its site between 7am and 11am because of the B3390 closure.
• Redbridge Road, Crossways – northbound closure as competitors leave the B3390 and head towards Station Road. Earlier detailed access plans for the same course show this section operating from approximately 7am to 10.45am; motorists should follow the 2026 signs and marshals on the day.
• Higher Woodsford, Lewell and West Stafford – restrictions will operate along the B3390 as cyclists travel north towards Dorchester.
• Moreton area – roads forming part of the cycle course will be closed while competitors pass through, with access to Moreton Station affected.
• A35 Northbrook Junction – the eastbound exit slip road is expected to be closed during the cycle section of the event.
• Weymouth Esplanade – significant restrictions will remain in place through the day for the running course and finish area.
• Lower St Alban Street – the normal prohibition on driving from St Nicholas Street will be temporarily lifted between 6am and 7pm, helping provide alternative access.
• Esplanade southbound bus lane – the bus lane from Westerhall will be suspended for its entire length.
• Outside The Gloucester on the Esplanade – the normal loading bay will be suspended and converted into a temporary taxi rank.

Several Weymouth car parks are affected:

• Lodmoor coach/multi-use and motorhome areas: closed until 6pm on September 23. Mount Pleasant Park and Ride Car Park site at Mercery Road DT3 5HJ can be used during the closure.
• Lodmoor main car park: closed from 7pm today (September 15) until 6pm on September 21
• Beach car park: closed from 4am to 6pm on Sunday
• Pavilion main car park: closed until the afternoon of Tuesday, September 22
• Pavilion Forecourt car park: closed from Thursday (September 17) until the afternoon of Monday, September 21

All other Weymouth car parks, including the Swannery, will be open. Minimal disruption is expected in Dorchester.

Household recycling centres

Access to the Household Recycling Centres in Weymouth and Dorchester will be affected on Sunday, September 20.

• Weymouth Household Recycling Centre, in Preston Beach Road, will be closed all day. Residents will be able to use the Portland site if they cannot wait until the Preston Beach Road centre reopens on Monday, September 21.
• Dorchester Household Recycling Centre, at Louds Mill, will be closed between 9am and 2pm on Sunday. Residents will be able to use alternative sites while the Dorchester HRC is closed; it will be reopened from 2pm to 5pm.

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