Firstly, the positives, what an absolutely stunning setting, especially as we had fantastic weather!! Parking, registration & transition, all very well done, straightforward & only a stones throw from each other. The swim was lovely, @ 14C, it was a very pleasant experience. I like a mass start & the first half ('up' the side of the island) was very enjoyable & well marked out with buoys. At the turnaround to go across the 'top' of the island, I found it hard to see here exactly I had to go (the 2 buoys side by side, at the top of the island were confusing, many of us werent sure whether to go between them or around them! Went around them in the end!). Second part of the swim was alot tougher, but that cant be helped, it was choppy & I felt more bouys were needed on the right for guidance as the lake was wider 'coming down' the other side of the island so swimmers 'scattered' & it was difficult to sight off them, a few large, bright buoys would help, hard to see the exit too until you got v near. Maybe a large inflatable sign is worth having at the exit?! I swam 2500m so was pretty fatigued coming out, would have appreciated a 'heads up' that it was a significantly longer swim than the usual 1.9k! Enjoyable nonetheless! The cycle route was good, had a bit of everything (couple of hills & lots of 'draggy bits!'). Lonely at times but beautiful scenery, especially with the blue skies & sun. Back at transition (2), they could have done with a marshall to direct us out to where the run starts, i had to call out to someone to ask where to go. The run, I thought anyway, was advertised as partially trail but it was majority trail/cross country with a smaller portion of road. Unfortunately, it's the run route that would put me off doing The Gauntlet again, large parts of the run were very dodgy underfoot & could easily lead to injury, ending a persons race & upcoming season! The field section literally had holes which were deadly dangerous & the gravel part had large stones & potholes which ruined any enjoyment as i was too busy trying to not twist an ankle. Another water station would have been great, especially with the heat. The girls at the aid stations were lovely so a big thanks to them for giving up their time :) Finish line was nice & the medal is really lovely. Although a goodie bag with a Castle Race Series bottle maybe & a few small treats or triathlon 'bits' (gels/electrolytes/a race belt or neck buff) would have been a good addition (for the €220 fee, its a small ask, I think anyway!). Overall a great race to do, very well organised, straightforward & gorgeous grounds. Its a pity that it's just the run that would prevent me from signing up again. That said, that's just my personal take/preference! Well done to all, from the marshalls, to the guy doing the commentary, to the swim support & everything in between. And thanks 😊