In excess of 2500 triathletes competed in the Weymouth Ironman 70.3 2023 on Sunday. However, due to health and safety concerns, the 1.2-mile swim discipline that was scheduled to start at 7:15 in the morning in the seas off Preston Beach was cancelled.
Some competitors did enter the water to test out the conditions, but it was evident that even the elite experienced athletes would struggle to perform in the choppy seas in Weymouth Bay and the threat of thunderstorms in the area.
The sea conditions would be a serious challenge even to the elite competitors and the threat of thunderstorms in the area so it was decided to cancel the swim.
The event kicked off with a TT start in Lodmoor Car Park
The event began with a TT start in Lodmoor Car Park, with riders setting off at timed intervals, followed by a grueling 56-mile cycle ride around the rural lanes of South Dorset. Most of this leg took place during a relentless rainstorm.
On their return to Lodmoor the competitors then transitioned into their running gear for a 13 .1 mile run concluding in front of the Pavilion Theater.
The first man to cross the finish line was Steve Derrett, completing the race in an impressive time of 3 hours, 37 minutes and 29 seconds. The first woman to break the tape was Lucy Mapp, who achieved an equally impressive time of 4 hours, 5 minutes and 24 seconds. The first relay team to return was Heathwood Tri, with a total time of 3 hours, 49 minutes and 4 seconds.
To see a large gallery of photos of the event follow this link: idrismartin.wordpress.com/2023/09/17/weymouth-ironman-70-3-2023