My first, and last, Ironman and am so pleased I did this one.  Graeme and the team at 113 events were fabulous before, during and after the race.  I've done many half-IMs including one with what I thought was the best outfit of the lot - Castle Triathlons - but this one is even better.  Why - simply the marshals.  They were everywhere, they were unbelievably supportive and enthusiastic giving everyone on the looooonnnngggg run the same level of support for what must have been at least 6 hours!  And, the bike marshals, battered and soaked by wind and rain, still directed and supported throughout. Swim is fabulous, bike course beautiful, run course is great around the lake, but soul-destroying along the road and up a track - but, saved by the plentiful supportive marshals!  Amazing value for money too!  Thanks to the whole team!

entered the 226 after the event I had planned to race locally was cancelled. Reviews suggested it was ideal for first timers and so it proved - from hints and tips in the run up to a familiarisation day ( didn't do this due to distance) and a really detailed briefing on the day before the race it was great for an iron novice.

on the day itself the swim in the lake at the centre of the course (the run circled it and transition was directly next to the exit) was great and the ride was on flat/ rolling roads which were well marshalled with good feed stations.

the run was five laps around the central complex which was good for keeping in touch with supporters -only criticism was the run had an out/back section on a narrow path - fine at my pace but prob not good for the serious guys. That said I believe it's being changed for next year

the finish/ photos/ medals were all a cut above other events I have been to but most of all it was really friendly and supportive - the event felt like their aim was to get you round rather than get arsey about the minutiae of regulations ( you know who you are!) 

would thoroughly recommend 

First time at the Iron Distance. Great value for money. The bike aid stations where perfect. Spread ideally around the course and where we'll stocked. Even got offered a rub down and the lady kindly fed me my banana. Bike route was fast, a couple of short sharp climbs but nothing to worry about.  Run was excellent, again the aid stations, well it was like turning up for a picnic they had everything you need there!

all in a fantastic event im already going to book up for next years race! Fantastic the whole team where great!

Great race, beautiful location, fantastic marshals and well organised. Much more low key than branded events, but this would be a plus for many people, as fewer people and hype make it less stressful - e.g the mass swim start was calm and I had plenty of space, even though I set off near the front. Beautiful shallow lake, no weeds to get tangled in. Undulating but fairly fast bike course - 2nd half of each lap (2 laps) was mainly down hill with wind behind! Run course was road/trail, good surfaces, flat. Very enthusiastic marshals and aid station volunteers. Great atmosphere. I choose this event as friends had recommended it - it didn't disappoint. 

Having had a number of triathlon distances under my belt, from super sprint to Ironman 70.3 UK, it was time to tackle the full iron distance.

I looked at a number of events including Ironman UK, Challenge Weymouth and The Outlaw before settling on the my local offering: the inaugral Cotswold 226. This was a pretty big deal for me as I never really belived I could achieve the full iron distance.

Having completed the half iron distance Cotswold Classic that's run by the same organisers I know the quality of the event would be good. And I wasn't disapointed - the registration team in the Saturday were super super friendly.

The swim start was well organised and the bike course well marked out with plenty of aid stations. Even the rain on the 2014 event couldn't dampen the spirits of the marshalls  out there making the event really great.

The run course was also well organised. Slowing to a walk was a pleasure - plenty of goodies to enjoy on the way to the next aid station!

It really is worth noting how big an impact the team at 113 events has on the positivity of this great event.

In short this was a once in a lifetime event for me, and I'm super happy that I chose the Cotswold 226. And when I say once in a lifetime it wasn't just the triathlon that happened that day.....

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