I had heard lots of good things about IM Weymouth 70.3 and was hoping it was a course to get a PB. Ironman cannot be faulted for the quality and breadth of information available prior to their races, and overall organisation is very good. As always, the downside to participating in IM-branded race is the price! 

Ahead of the race itself, the briefing was excellent, but the location of transition away from the finish line, and a significant lack of parking close to the venue, meant there was a lot of walking between locations all weekend! Transition set-up was excellent however, with plenty of space to hang bags and get changed. 

The course is good, but not spectacular. The sea swim was reasonably warm (thankfully as the air temperature was freezing!) with favourable tide; the bike course felt hillier than the ~800m elevation advertised and I felt like it was a constant uphill battle for the first 30-40miles! The run course is 3.5 laps along the sea front, which is lovely and flat and amazingly well-supported by locals, but as far as half-marathons go it is incredibly boring, with not a lot to look at except concrete and the sea (Disclaimer: my personal opinion, I may be less enamoured by the seaside, having grown up in Cornwall!)     

I would recommend Weymouth 70.3 as a good beginner race for people stepping up to middle distance, but a good support crew is essential to reduce stress both before and after race day!