I took part in the Ballbuster for the 3rd year in a row in 2017. This was the most difficult it has been with a lack of cycle training and busy running year, but I still did it. I will rate the event below but you can get my full personal account here:

https://pickupthepacepaul.com/2017/11/05/ballbuster-2017

Registration is on the morning so you have to get there early. This is so disorganised and unnecessarily slow, I comment about it in my blog every year, and they could easily address this. Instead you join a huge queue and often have to rush almost missing the start.

The event is unique and takes you in a 8 mile loop of boxhill, it’s bloody tough. It’s 1 lap run, 3 lap bike then 1 lap run to finish. Many people take it on a a team of two or three, but for me there is only one option, to do it all. 

Im a good runner, I’m fit and relatively fast, but as a solo competitor I always finish near the back. This is not an event for just anyone to take on as a solo event, it is full of tri clubs and really impressive fast cyclists. If you are a good cyclist you will be fine and can coast the run, but otherwise I would suggest considering the team event. Whatever you decide prepare for it to be tough. It always seems to be cold and wet, this adds to the difficulty.

There is support at a lot of points but the lap change at the top of box hill is the best. Marshal supervision is good at every turn, you still need to be safety aware as the roads remain open. Traffic is limited as it’s eaely morning but there are cars out there that get a bit close for comfort.

The aid station is pretty poor with just cupped water, but on bike you carry your own so not too bad.

The finish is always full of competitors to cheer you through. There is no medal, but everyone gets a quality hoody which makes this event good value for money.

A difficult yet rewarding event... I wouldn’t say I necessarily enjoy it, but I always like to push myself to a finish.