I'm British but I traveled from Taiwan where I live to participate in this race. In short, the race was well worth traveling for. The atmosphere, organisation, views, weather and course were all excellent. The climbs were definitely challenging, but provided you cycle up some hills and do some trail running/hiking in your training, you should be good-to-go. That is to say, I think this race is actually quite accessible for many levels of competitors. Of course, if you're going for the win then that takes a different mentality. The only thing I can't rate 5/5 on this event was the "did you feel safe throughout the race". I rated this 4/5, because there is a short part on the bike course where you are very close to fast moving traffic. The race info and other reviewers make it clear the roads aren't closed, so I mention this so other people are aware rather than a complaint. The race is fantastic value for money!! Finally, several reviewers said they were disappointed there was no finishers' top. For me, the socks are good. They are good quality and I will wear them for sure. My suggestion would be, perhaps the race organisers can consider making the socks more "memorable" i.e. different colours and maybe the name of the race instead of the organising body. Or maybe having black socks with "TriHard" means they can be used each year at every event and that's why they are less wasteful. Anyway, I support the efforts the race makes to be less wasteful. Hope to be back again in the future!

An amazing race in a stunning location. My only issue was that the start for us slower swimmers was delayed and it got very cold very quickly. It seemed a bit strange that they haven't been able to work out the best start strategy after all these years and despite us starting half an hour later than planned, the cutoffs weren't extended by half an hour

I’ve races this a couple of times now and I love it. On both occasions it rained before the event so the lake was a fresh 12 degrees. The bike is pretty undulating, aside from the Iconic climb up the Struggle and descent into Kirkstone Pass. Either a road or TT bike are recommended, both with different strengths. I did see a couple gravel bikes with road tyres on this year, useful for the easy gearing up that long hill I bet! The run (well 6k fast hike and 6 descent on scree) is amazing, expect all the weather up there. When you finished you feel like you’ve done an expedition, not a triathlon

Embarked on a couch to Helvellyn triathlon campaign in March 2022, a reasonable amount of training and 2 stone lighter decided it was a possibility. Having only completed 4 short distance triathlons it was hard work but well worth the "struggle". Amazing course, well Marshalled, if I had one petty complaint I'd of loved to see a finishers t-shirt too! No big deal, I'll no doubt be entering for 2023.

The race is one you, and your legs, won't forget in a hurry. It had the lot, a calm enjoyable swim, some great biking with a mix of power flats, little kickers and the awe inspring "struggle" which is a humbling stretch whatever your ability. The run, unless you are a mountain goat is more a walk from a mile in but the views and comaradere as you ascend Helvellyn will "almost" make you forget the elevation you are tackling. After a literal scramble - think Cliffhanger meets fell running - to the summit you reach the top but don't be expecting a fanfare welcome, more a hearty well done, touch the trig point and down you go. Well down and then up again after 1K then it really is down. Here is the biggest test of the day when on tired legs you tackle switchbacks on loose slate paths but the end is in sight and as you enter the last 1K the village suport swells and you bring it home. Highlights - the event is small enough for a great community and large enough to be a competitive race. Scenery is amazing and the cheering at the end of the struggle will drag you to the top. Note - marked aid stations as one star as there weren't any. This is a self-supported race so prep for that but that makes the achivement even better

What a race - it's not standard in any kind of way. The olympic distance swim is in the breathtaking waters of Ullswater: breathtaking in terms of scenery, and literally breathtaking as it was only about 13C, but didn't really feel as cold with a wetsuit. The ride is longer than Olympic and shorter than a middle distance ride, but the course is determined by riding round the Helvellyn ridge. After a nice warm up, you turn left into a long steep climb that takes you to the northern edge of the route, then the next half of the course is fast and mainly downhill - bringing your aero gains into their own. Once through any traffic leading into Ambleside, you take a hard left at the mini-roundabout and up, up, up you go. It's time for 'The Struggle' - and I can assure you that the Cumbrians don't dish out nicknames like that to any old road! It's featured in the Tour of Britain for a reason, and has its own dedicated Hill Climb event too. This is a hill that separates the wheat from the chaff. Don't be embarrassed to put one (or both) feet down to 'take in the view'. Once you hit the top (rather than the false peak that is somewhat soul-destroying) you hit a wall of sound as hundreds of supporters give you a Tour de France style welcome as you meet the Kirkstone Pass. From there it's a hair-raising technical descent down towards T2. The 'run' is again nothing like anything you've done before. Although it's only 13km, it's a game of two halves. The first half is climbing Helvellyn on a well-demarcated rocky path, summiting at the top of Swirral Edge (technically a scramble where you're planning each hand and foot placement, definitely not a 'run'), then descending back into Glenridding down a different route that will really favour some fell running experience (which I don't have). This is an ultimate season-ender. You can't compare your times to any other event, but you can go an have an incredible time, although I can't promise you'll be smiling every second - you might be working or concentrating too hard to have the extra energy to smile. I'll definitely be returning.