It has often been said that Ironman events are bloody expensive, but you get what you pay for. The Inaugrial Ironman Weymouth was no exception. This was my first Ironman event, but from the moment I entered the expo, to the finish of the event, everything was organised to such high standards.

all the staff and marshals were super friendly, and this was certainly a safe event. I was very nervous coming into this event, and nothing went wrong for me, but there was a clear feeling that if something dos go wrong there would be help and support near by.

The sea swim was managed by rolling starts and worked really well, even though it shares a start with the 70.3 it did not feel congested. I have had busier swim starts in a 800 metre fun swim section.

The bike was hard, very hard. I heard a 210 IM finisher say it was one of the toughest bike courses he has done. The inclines lasted for ever and the down sections did not make up for it. Aid stations were well stocked and the roads were on the whole well maintained.

there was one out and back section we did twice for the full where you go on the wrong side of the road. This was a narrow and fast section. One improvement would be to remove this in future, it is too narrow and dangerous, especially with te added confusion of swapping sides of the road. I saw a crash here. The aid section on this section left a hazardous area for us all.

The run was 4.5 flat laps with fantastic support from the locals. If I was not in so much pain I would have really enjoyed this section.

its a 10 out of 10 for me, thoroughly recommend.

To read more about my experience check out my blog:

https://pickupthepacepaul.wordpress.com/2016/09/13/paul-addicott-you-are-an-ironman/

Ironman Weymouth ran at the same time as Ironman 70.3. Both races started at exactly the same time, on the same course.  Ironman used a rolling swim-start, which avoids too much congestion in the water. All athletes lined up by their predicted times (30 minute 70.3 swimmers lining up next to 1 hour Ironmen).  It worked remarkably well.  

The 7am swim start was illuminated by a beautiful sunrise across Weymouth Bay.  I spent the preceding weeks worried about choppy waters, but come the day it was calm as a lake.  I have never had a more enjoyable sea swim.

There was strong crowd support for athletes as they left the water and ran to T1.  The run to transition was uneventful and well signed and carpetted. 

The bike course has about 2000m of climbing overall (1000m per lap).  It's a great route with some lengthy climbs but good downhills and not too many sharp turns.  All such turns were well signposted with plenty of warning.  It also had wonderful views across the Dorset countryside.

One consequence of running the 70.3 race at the same time as Ironman is that Ironmen start the bike course about half an hour behind the 70.3'ers (the time taken for a second swim lap).  As such, the first lap of the bike course was relatively congested with the slower 70.3 riders.  Come the second lap, the course felt almost deserted.  This isn't a major criticism, but expect to use more power on the first lap as you might be overtaking a large number of slower-moving riders.

The run course was four laps along the Weymouth beachfront.  It's 100% tarmac/concrete, so it's tough on the feet.  But it's almost completely flat, which was a merciful relief after the hilly cycle ride.  The crowd support was pretty good too - although not on par with IM Wales or Bolton (although give it a couple of years and I'm sure it'll become bigger).

Overall I'd say Ironman did a superb job for their first time at Weymouth.  I couldn't fault the organisation and it was a tremendous first Ironman for me.

I am local to Weymouth so to have an event as huge as Ironman staged here has made me so pleased!  I really felt that each aspect of the course showed Weymouth's full potential and what a lovely little town it is here.  The build up to the event was fab.  The expo had a lot of offer, registration was easy, race brief was humourous but to the point and covered all safety measures that was needed. 

Race day was calm, plenty of marshalls visible at all times with thousands coming out to spectate.  The rolling start worked really well, even with the 70.3 athletes going at the same time.  The sea was beautifully flat and warm, pretty much everyone I know did a PB! 

The bike course is rolling.  I feel this keeps your mind interested and alert for the 112 miles!  Again, lots of support and the feed stations well manned.  A few hills but also plenty of fast descents to recover. 

The run is flat as a pancake - fantastic when you're legs are pretty much jellified!  The best feed stations were on the run, without a doubt.  Huge amount of volunteers and because it's along the esplanade, it was easy for spectators to watch and become involved! 

The red carpet and finish line were situated in front of the Pavillion which meant it was easily accessible and also easy to say.  Unbelievable atmosphere at the finish, the commentators were brilliant and made sure to call every athletes name including the most important; ' you are an ironman! '.

Recovery area was also really well organised and plenty of food still on offer.

It's such a beautiful course and I think each year, it will only get better!  This is definitely one to put in your race calendar :-)