My third year at this local event, though I've done something different every time.  This year I took on the 5k swim.  

You can pick up your race pack on the day, but I went along the day before as it's not too far.  There's good changing rooms and toilets at the venue, and I was able to leave my bike just outside.  It's not too far from Moor Park tube station if you're coming from London.  

There was a very clear briefing 15 minutes before the race started.  

As there were only 51 of us in total for the two distances, the start wasn't too bad.  The water is reasonably clear, with just the odd twig and leaf floating around.  There were both kayakers and a rescue boat in the water, which was reassuring.  

The race really emptied out after the 3k swimmers left, I couldn't see the person in front of me.  As you leave you need to run to transition to cross the timing mat, which is the finish for the swim. 

As it's multi-event/distance, there was plenty of space in the changing rooms and good showers.  The cafe/bar upstairs is lovely, with good coffee/snacks, and some of the finishers were getting into the ale and prosecco before 1100 am!

There's a small grassy area where you can sit and watch people on run laps and coming out of transition, or head around to other parts of the complex to see people running.

All in all, it's a good value low-key event at a local venue, definitely worth a try.