I completed my first Half Ironman race at Cholmondeley Castle when I took on the The Gauntlet. I was apprehensive due to never having competed at the distance before and the pre event information and consistent of contact was excellent. I thought there were little touches that made it easy to understand what was happening and you needed to do prior to the event.
Once arriving at the location it was a short walk to registration and it was very well organised and managed, I was through in 5 mins and then onto transition which again was laid out well.
The swim course was well managed and the helpers/Marshalls were good and easily spotted. The bike course was beautiful and scenic with two main climbs, although not very long, they were a good challenge. Having a feed station at the top of the main hill was a good move as it gave people a natural point at which to gather themselves and go again.
The run course was fairly flat with the one main steep hill up to the Castle, a lot of people walked it, but it's understandable as to why. Overall a cracking event, well managed and marshalled, good set up and a good race to do a first Half Ironman.
The only thing I would ask for is an option for a toilet on the run route, even if near the event village or transition that can be accessed by athletes easily during the race. There's a risk of having an al fresco toilet stop is that you could be DQ as a result (although I am sure the BTF Marshalls would understand) but it's still a risk.
Thanks for the day and a great first Half.