This year’s IRONMAN 70.3 takes place on Sunday 20 September 2026, marking the event’s 10th year in Weymouth and Dorchester. Competitors will complete a 1.2 mile swim in Weymouth Bay, a 56-mile bike ride taking in Dorchester, and a 13.1 mile run.
For the first time, IRONKIDS is also coming to Weymouth. The event on Saturday 19 September, will see up to 1000 children aged 3 to 15 years run between 500 metres and 1.5 kilometres around the Pavilion area, finishing on the famous red carpet.
Residents, businesses and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, as there will be road closures, parking restrictions and travel changes across parts of Weymouth and the Dorchester area before and during the event weekend.
There will also be changes to household recycling centres in Weymouth and Dorchester on Sunday 20 September.
What you need to know
· There will be some road closures during the events
· Dorset Council highways team and event marshals will be positioned at key locations
· Some Weymouth car parks will be affected, with sections of Lodmoor coach/motorhome car park closed from Sunday 13 September
· Access to the Household Recycling Centres in Weymouth and Dorchester will be affected on Sunday 20 September
· Public transport services may be disrupted, so passengers should check with their operator before travelling.
· Care providers can request an access pass from the event organisers – many have already been issued
Travel and access
There are so many different diversion scenarios, that it would be confusing to recommend alternative routes. Therefore, diversions will not be suggested or signed.
It is not a mandatory requirement to provide signed diversions.
Residents directly affected by closures may wish to move their vehicles before restrictions come into force or delay journeys until roads reopen. Businesses should make customers and suppliers aware of local restrictions.
Please allow extra time if you plan to travel.
Download the public notice for a comprehensive list of all affected highways
IRONKIDS, Saturday 19 September – see the map and download the public notice showing traffic management
IRONMAN, Sunday 20 September – see the map and download the public notice showing traffic management
Stay up to date with travel on the day Check Live travel disruptions or @TravelDorset on X, or search for #IRONMANtraveldorset for updates. Only check while on the move if it is safe and legal to do so.
Car park changes
Several Weymouth car parks will be affected:
· Lodmoor coach/multi-use and motorhome areas: closed from 5pm on 13 September until 6pm on 23 September. 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 on 15 September until 6pm on 21 September
· Beach car park: closed from 4am to 6pm on Sunday 20 September
· Pavilion main car park: closed from Monday 13 September to the afternoon of Tuesday 22 September
· Pavilion Forecourt car park: closed from Thursday 17 September until the afternoon of Monday 21 September
All other Weymouth car parks, including the Swannery, will be open. Minimal disruption is expected in Dorchester.
Household Recycling Centres
Access to both Weymouth and Dorchester Household Recycling Centres will be affected on Sunday 20 September.
Weymouth Household Recycling Centre on 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 21 September.
Dorchester Household Recycling Centre at Louds Mill will be closed between 9am and 2pm on Sunday 20 September. Residents will be able to use alternative sites while the Dorchester HRC is closed; it will be reopened from 2pm to 5pm and slots can be booked here from 2pm onwards.
Contacts
Care providers and residents with essential access requirements can contact IRONMAN race control on 03330 11 66 00.
If you have any IRONMAN access questions please contact weymouth70.3roadaccess@ironman.com or call 03330 11 66 00 and provide the following details:
· Name
· Telephone number
· Journey start postcode
· Journey end postcode
· Time of departure
· Details of enquiry
The email address will not be monitored on the event weekend.
