I have done many 70.3 races over the years and this particular event twice. To sum up this event it would be to say that the Welsh, and people of Swansea, really do know how to make an event happen. For those folks who might be a bit nervous about an open water sea swim then this event is ideal because the swim is in a closed dock so navigation is easy and the water will never be rough. There is a rather long swim to bike run, possibly 800m so a pair of trainers is recommended. The bike is rolling, quite "technical" in a few places, with some very bad road surfaces and potholes along the way. But this is the UK so to expect much else is fanciful. The run is "easy" in so much as it is a flat out and back that is very well supported along the entire route. The race ends in a park with all of the razzmatazz and ceremony that is to be expected of an Ironman branded race. The athlete areas, including transition, and the finish are all well secured. I have done this race twice, won my age group twice, and other than the potholed roads there is nothing negative I can think of to add about this event.

Event planners are incredibly rude and incompetent, having made several attempts to access my business and idiot staff try to stop me eventually I got in. However not one of my customers can get in so where do I send the invoice for loss of earnings? With any luck they will take this joke of an even elsewhere next year

First time event from Ironman at Swansea. 70.3. I chose this particularly as in school hols and made a week of it- next year it’s moved though back in school term. Location was brilliant. Lots of accommodation within walking distance of event village and also town. We literally arrived and parked up and hardly used the car throughout. Swim is in a seawater dock (not an option above so ticked lake) excited to see pros including Kat Matthews and alistair brownlee. Swim was a short mini loop then turn to swim the full outside loop of the dock. Was a bit choppy and busy but not too bad. Long run to transition 500m no shoes allowed. I like IM transition areas so organised. Closed roads on the bike and run. Tough hilly bike course 13/14 hills recognised on the Garmin 1100m climbing. First one kicks off about 20mins in and last one just before you head back into town. Twisty turny route lovely views with cattle grids. Weather for us was hot and sunny would be an extra challenge in the wet. Run a two lap beachfront so hot this year the aid stations were amazing doubling up in places (ie back to back) with water and hoses. Absolutely incredible support I’m older mid pack athlete and so many people still out supporting (weather helped!) couldn’t believe how many were there when I got in (6hr 46) still so busy. The athlete village was great and good to get away from the crowds lovely grass bank to chill out. Missed out on pizza but I should have waited around I didn’t realise it would keep coming. Only slight disappointment the finishers tshirt wasn’t a tech one apparently it didn’t come in time we still got one though so I wasn’t that bothered. Fab IM medal and bag. Loads of loos on course at aid stations. Aid stations well stocked. Brilliant event loved it.