So this was the second time for me, I did this event last year and loved it, so decided to come back for more. First things first, if you want to do this event you need to sign up the moment they release the tickets. It is no exaggeration that this events sells out in hours.

So why is it so popular? well the organisation, marshals and support are amazing, it has a small friendly family feel, yet when you realise how many people are taking part its anything but.

Is it cheap? no, is it worth the money? in my opinion, yes!

Pros

• Awesome finishing chute
• Fast but not flat course
• Mixture of city centre and countryside
• Great to race with 1,500 other triathletes
• Great support
• Great post event food 
• Great post event massage (thumbs up @UK_STA)
• Had a go with the physiolab ice compression machines - very good!
• Pros attendance (Lucy Charles overtook me on her second run lap)

Cons

• Some very potholed sections of road and my wheels took a beating (not the organisers fault)
• Finishers T-shirt sizes this year felt like children’s sizes 

Registration & Communications

Simple easy, but book on the morning the event opens otherwise you wont get in. Plenty of communications in the run up to the race.

Accommodation

Ive stayed at the campsite over the road from the event for the last 2 years, location wise it couldn’t be better and considering 95% of the people staying there that weekend are taking part, it makes for a good atmosphere, plus it has showers and toilets for before and after the event.

Briefing

Informal, relaxed, free Erdinger NA beer.

Organisation

Second to none. Marshalls very friendly and helpful, route and transition were well signed but could do with a little more room racking bikes.

Course

Swim is nice and easy, water has been warm and perfectly flat for the last 2 years.

Cycle is undulating at most with one hill worthy of a mention and on the whole the roads were better than i expected after our winter but the last 2k you better pray to the puncture gods

Run can get a little crowded as its an up and back along the river towpath before hitting the long rowing lake X 2

The finishing chute is brilliant, loads of support, cheers, name over the tannoy and the all important finishing ribbon.

Medals are always good.

Would i come back for a third time, you bet i am and i’ll be logging in teh morning the tickets get released.