Raced the Outlaw Half, 70.3 at Nottingham this year after a number of recommendations. Everything about the race did not disappoint, a great memorable weekend.
Registration and regular briefings take place the day before at the race venue which is the national watersports centre. Plenty parking available for a one off fee of a fiver for all weekend. Registration was straight forward enough but be warned. The race pack emailed out beforehand states photo ID required at registration but that BTF race licence is also an acceptable form of ID. It was a good job I had additional photo ID on me because they wouldn't accept my licence (with photo). No problem but could have been.
We arrived at the venue around 5am on the morning of the race. Usual script, straight through to transition with bike, wearing helmet with number. Ran into a few people I knew which always settles the nerves.
Swim waves are arranged by age group rather than ability or a predicted swim time so it's a bit of a scramble at the beginning with slower swimmers being passed. Again, no real problems, I was only hit in the back of the head once.
The bike route is predominantly flat (ish), although there was one small climb which the garmin recorded at 17% at one point, it caught a few riders out. It was a hot morning on the day of the race so I did reign things in a bit to bring the HR down in anticipation of a hot run. I'm glad I did.
The run is flat, out beyond the lake and a couple of loops around the lake, mileage was spot on. Support is good all around the route and the several feed stations are very well stocked with everything you need, gels, cola, isotonic drink, water, wet sponges (God send) and the 'slappers' with the sun cream (another God send). It was so hot on race day, record breaking temperatures according to the organisers. The last couple of miles I was melting and it was right up there with one of the hardest runs I've done, I don't do well in heat and was a good 20min over predicted finish time, which on reflection I'm happy with.
Well organised fast 70.3, highly recommended.