havent done that many tris and this one was my first in a "bigger event". Booked early when a discount I think of 25% was around - still felt a little expensive at the time - however I felt the event in terms of organisation exceeded my expectations and I definitely felt I had value for money.

pre race comms were excellent with guides emailed to you and texts sent to you. The only thing I didnt understand pre race was the swim route on the plan given however it was all perfectly clear (and obvious) at the pre-race briefing.

I did get there early so no queues at registration. plenty of toilets and nice to see separate changing tents. also separate secure bag drop. I say secure as I've been to some which have just been piles of bags in a corner without checks but here all bags were labelled and you werent allowed in the area if you wanted your bag they got it for you. really helpful as I was travelling on my own.

i lked the fact that there are a number of different races taking part on the same day which meant always people on the course.

the pre race briefing was great. explained everything really well. 

I didnt have a great swim and the kayakers were fab checking I was ok and encouraging me to keep going. If you are in an event with more than one lap you will do an australian exit which I hadnt done before ie get out and jump/slide back in again. for us olys it was straight out and back twice so sighting was easy and not too many buoys to navigate round.

on the bike route some had mentioned about the part on the a49 being busy with cars - I thought it was ok and on the olympic route you soon turned off. thought the bike route was great - simple straightforward and not too many turn - all left hand ones too. if you like riding on your aerobars lots of opportunity here. a couple of undulating bits. the bit coming through the castle I really enjoyed as lots of support and you can feel like a really fast cyclist as it feels slightly downhill!

the 10km run is on closed roads round the estate -2 laps which are well marked - tough short climb for a bit round a woody bit but meant I enjoyed a bit of a downhill bit. 

as I was on my own I did go for the pre race photo bundle - so I got all my photos for £10 which I thought was good value.

Medal at the finish. no tshirt but they were available to buy.

although I was travelling solo, I could see lots to entertain families and supporters and with lots of races going on at the same time including run only it means there is more support than at the usual smaller local tri only races Ive been to which is great when you are on your own and need a cheer!! 

marshalls and everyone involved in the event were fab. a great event and I will be back