I do love this event. Sutton Park is the most beautiful Heathland setting in all of Birmingham. The Birmingham Triathlon is easy to access, the organisers are relaxed and down to earth. It would be good to have a smoother and lengthier bike track, there are lots of pot holes on the bike course (8 loops of one track for the Olympic Distance it maybe 6 loops too many, are there any alternative 2 loop routes?). It could also benefit from a lengthier run track, again 2 loops, same type of terrain. The fewer loops I have to count the better. The whole event wouldn't feel out of place in the Caribbean, such is it's chilled out mood. It has just enough to keep you interested and looking back it does feel special, given the lovely mixed terrain conditions of the final run. A great Triathlon for people who aren't too serious, a great triathlon for those new to the discipline.

The race organisation was excellent and the location was great for my first Olympic distance event. I would have rated the course higher. We warned about the pot holes but was shocked at the number of people who came off their bike. I took care through the chicance as per marshall's advice.

I was thrilled with my sub 3 hour time, I didn't mind the laps as it was great for spectators (didn't approve of people walking their dog down the middle of the course!) and scenary was nice. However as this was my 1st event of this distance you can imagine my disappointment to discover that the Bike course and Run course came up short. I feel slighly cheated that to be advertised as an Olympic distance it was actually sub 40km and 10km respectively. I would have preferred for the course to be longer (additional lap) if that ensured the full distance. Otherwise I would participate again :)

Second Tri but first in open water, cracking venue and lovely run route covering all terrains, only downside is the potholes on the cycle route, Also I am not a fan of so many laps on the cycle leg, I did the sprint which is 4 laps but it's 8 laps for Olympic distance. think i'd lose count !

"Closed to traffic bike course on resurfaced tarmac roads within the park"

This is an exerpt from UK-Tri's course description. I don't think this is quite correct - the Council are still yet to resurface the park hence there being yellow spray paint all over the course, and me losing a water bottle. Hopefully this can be sorted for next year, as it's my local event and it's good fun for the most part!