My first time at the Belvoir and first time doing a trail run at backend of middle distance (MD) race. Overall, I enjoyed the day of racing. Although the MD is small in numbers the various other events held at the same time adds to the race day numbers and the enjoyment (although they also add to safety issues too – more later). The estate 4 lap pond swim is challenging due to the low depth, weed, multiple turns and the green coloured buoys that blend into the trees and shadows (couldn’t see 3 of the 5). If the competitor numbers were larger the multi lap would have been very difficult. I have raced across the world since starting tris over 40 years ago and I'd have to say the road surface, in parts, was challenging, had a couple of right hand, cross traffic, turns and isn’t closed to traffic impacting the safety factor. There were volunteers on the corners however they were very hard to hear. There were enough aid stations (AS), with 2 on the multi-lap course, however the first one only had 1 volunteer and the second 2. Having been an event organiser, I know it’s hard to find volunteers however none of the 3 knew how to safely and effectively hold a full 750ml water bottle for easy ‘grab’ (I’d suggest small bottles or don’t fill up fully). At the 2nd AS the volunteers stood too close together and I missed both opportunities to grab water. Also, directly after the 2nd AS there was a very rough patch of road which made grabbing anything problematic (need to consider an alternative location). Lastly, there is a dangerous bottleneck on the second loop as Gauntlet and other event competitors exit onto the bike course from T2. Post event my wife mentioned volunteers were telling those exiting T1 to “keep to the right” unfortunately rather than that, when I went through, they were over the entire road rather than ‘keeping to the left’ which is the road rules! Also, just before this, there are run competitors that come off a field across the road heading towards run race finish field which was a safety hazard too (some runners simply didn’t look before crossing). Not too much to say about the run however if it was wet, you’d need trail shoes. There are varied surfaces from tarmac, rough gravel, spongey wood chips, rutted grass fields, sand, and some very narrow paths. I do have an issue with wrong timing but I'll follow that up separately. THE number one plus for me was someone had the great idea to provide Gauntlet competitors with a free Mexican meal, of your choice, at one of the food trucks. My biggest event dislike when doing half or full distances races is the lack of meaningful post-race nutrition. A large chicken burrito, with rice, avocado, cheese and sauces was AWESOME! All the best for 2027.