Echo the downsides from other reviews: no t-shirt, had to pay of parking on top of race fee, pre-race communication was ok but not fantastic, A41 is a busy road at the best of times. Additionally, for me I found the standing start chaotic due to the way it was organised, I know this is personal preference but I’ve found that starting from a pontoon rather than in the lake allows the weaker swimmers to hang at the back and only start their race when they pass the timing mat. In terms of positives, the transition area was spacious compared to other tri’s, the course was flat, and views were good. Overall: would probably do other triathlons over this one again unless the downsides were addressed.

Positives for me: General organisation from pre-event to finish line absolutely excellent. Info and race signage clear, plenty of marshalls. I like laps in races as you see more of the spectators, whether they're with you or not. Negatives for me: Start time not advertised and I wouldn't have entered if I knew it was 7am start - I only live in Bham, yet had to get up at 4.30am. Expensive for open road race, then had to pay parking on top, and no race t-shirt. (Happy to pay extra for t-shirt if design is known as I know not everyone likes the same style or wants one at all, so pre-order option is sustainable). Results not available until over 48h later!! Surely it's a provisional result file upload 10mins after the last competitor crosses the line?? Generic 'Alderford tri' medal - no date, year or distance. Seems a primarily money making company, would probably prioritise other company's races next year.

I was in the super sprint race with the majority of it been fine accept the swimming. We were all asked to go i to the lake. togeather and set off at the same time. As a consequence we were all bumping into each other and i was swam into at least three times and had to stop as was hit. One person was even doing back stroke. I found this very unnerving. During covid we got in one at a time which was a far safer arrangement not covid wise but to avoid been hit.

Triathlon@Alderford is a very well-run event, put on by experts at a great location. You feel that you are in good hands from the moment you enter - everything is well done: the pre-race communications, the race notes, marshalling pre-race and during the race, thorough and knowledgeable race briefing and even the medal is a little better than the average! I felt safe and well looked-after on the bike - great marshalling at junctions in particular. There is a short section on busier roads near the end of each lap, which is well-marshalled with some coned-off corners for safety. The whole event is in a genuinely beautiful setting - the lake and run at Alderford lake are stunning, and the bike course is in lovely Shropshire countryside and through pretty villages. There is PB potential here, although the bike is a little exposed if it's windy, and there's a gentle downhill in the first 5km of each lap, and likewise a steady climb for the second half, with one short out-of-the-saddle climb. The run is entirely off-road around the lake, mainly on grass with a little gravel, but pancake flat. In dry conditions, it is a fast and pleasant run (my fastest 2 10km split times are both on this course). Overall I'm very impressed and would do it again, even though it is a loooong way from my house!

The marshalls were supportive. The lake was warm! Great first open water swim event. Dog poo on the run course and gel sachet litter wasn't great. I didn't like the bike in and out at the same narrow access. Paying for parking was a bit annoying at the end of the day, would have preferred to have organised in advance.