Ironman have today confirmed that the full 226km distance Ironman will not be hosted in 2017. The Ironman 70.3 distance race will return to Dorset, however, taking place on Sunday 17 September 2017. Entries opening on Wednesday 9 November at midday.
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Following speculation on the future of the full-distance race, Kevin Stewart, Managing Director Ironman UK, commented, “Weymouth was the first time we had combined a full distance and 70.3 on the same day [in Europe]. We’ve undertaken a review of this format since the event with the authorities and consultation with the local communities affected by the road closures.
The conclusion is that we’ll withdraw the full distance event from the race going forward to ensure that we can continue to deliver the best race experience for athletes.
“We’ll continue to offer Ironman UK in July and Ironman Wales in September for those looking to race the full distance.”
After a number of years as a Challenge Family event, Ironman 70.3 Weymouth was a new addition to the 2016 UK calendar and attracted over 2,800 entries in its first year making it the largest Ironman event in the UK. For 2017, the event will also continue to be a Pro race.
220 raced in September and it was a memorable day, with a 1.2-mile sea swim in the clear and warm waters of Weymouth Bay, before athletes then embark on a 56-mile loop bike course on the rolling hills and quaint villages of the Dorset countryside. Once back into transition, the final 13.1-mile half marathon run boasts a spectator-friendly multi-lap run around the town, harbour and historic seafront with bumper crowds along the route.
Ahead of entries opening on Wednesday 9th November, further information about IRONMAN 70.3 Weymouth can be found at www.ironman.com/weymouth70.3 and athlete inquiries can be directed to [email protected].
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Image: Getty