I entered this event after spectating in 2014. It was my first tri and my first middle distance tri. The event is run by Live Active who are my local fitness group. 

The race starts in Kenmore beside Loch Tay. Accommodation can be pretty limited but me and my friends managed to get a last minute deal at the Kenmore Club right on the shores. Approximately a 10 minute walk with bikes to T1. 

In 2015, we didn't have a great summer so the loch was a chilly 13 degrees. This led the organisers to shorten the swim from 1900 to 750m the day before. It's my strongest discipline so I was a bit disappointed especially having trained in water colder than this. However it was for athletes safety and this is always their primary concern. 

Registration was seamless and well staffed. All stickers and safety information were clear and concise. The race briefing was informative and engaging. 

Although secure racking was not available, T1 was very well organised on the morning of the event. Marshals were helpful, informative and smiley. 

The Race:

The swim is stunning. Kenmore is a beautiful location and despite being shorter than hoped, it just meant my body temp didn't drop too low.

The bike route is incredible. You're flat and fast from Kenmore to the foot of the Schiehallion climb which is around 7km of steady climbing with some pretty challenging sections. Once you get up the top, you swoop down past some gorgeous hamlets and scenery. There is a very sharp descent with rough road surface and a sharp turn at the bottom. This had caught a few cyclists out. 

The loop around Loch Rannoch is undulating but largely flat and fast. Good opportunity for some aero along here. The view are, again, stunning. We had very little wind that day which was remarkable and welcome! 

Aid stations well manned. Lack of pee-stops meant that bushes were getting watered. 

Once the loop is complete you're back up the sharp descent which now becomes a nasty clumb after 48 miles! The 7km descent into Dull is amazing. Properly refreshing if a little hairy in the wet...

Once you're safely back in Aberfeldy, T2 is loud and fun and well organised. 

The run starts with a monster of a climb and then a sharp downhill. Despite what you're told the route is NOT FLAT. At the half way point there is a steep ascent which really kicks your arse. 

The out and back nature of the run was a bit tiring for us at the back of the pack. But support from the marshals and other competitors was amazing.

I finished in 6:43 which i was really happy with for my first half iron distance! 

Medal and a beer at the end as well as a great finishers top and bragging rights to one of the most scenic and well run events in scotland.

LOVED IT. 

I did the relay event for this race - this year's race had unusually cold weather in the middle of summer so the swim was cut short and neoprene booties and hats were allowed for the swim leg.

The bike course is absolutely stunning as you go up through hills and around a Loch. Downside is that the course is deceptively undulating on the "flat" bits. Although my garmin shows little to no elevation change on the "flat" bits it was definitely enough to break up your pace a bit. 

The course marshalls were great and the route was easy enough to navigate. Quite a few supporters from the local village folk in Aberfeldy were around by the run leg to cheer you on! 

On course nutrition was provided by powerbar and there were adequate aid stations available throughout the bike and run.