So this was by far the toughest half iron distance I've done, but also by far one of the most gratifying to finish. Organisation was tip top from start to finish, logistics, briefing, transition set-ups, goodie bags, timing of events etc, all worked very well and like clockwork. Hats off to organisers 

The venue itself was incredible. Not a PB course, but one that you will never forget. The swim was held in the lake by the castle grounds in a very unique setting. Temperature was comfortable with a wetsuit and an easy to navigate 1 lap loop. 

Bike was tough, this time we had wind and rain to deal with also making it even tougher. Road surface is generally ok but can be rough at times so would suggest not pumping too much more than 125psi in your tires (if tubular). Also, coming from Asia where most races have closed roads I was a little intimidated by having to share both directions with open traffic so I took it especially easy as I wanted to finish in one piece. The course itself is beautiful, going through small picturesque villages in the English countryside, passing by medieval churces and pubs, amazing nature, plenty of times I just looked around thinking how amazing this all is, tough but beautiful. One suggestion to organisers would be to make the bike finish entrance a bit more obvious as it wasn't very well signed. 

After a gruelling bike I was not looking fwd to an equally tough run. But I was again blown away by the uniqueness and beauty of the course. Perhaps it's just that I'm not used to running through such terrain, but I enjoyed every bit of that run. Passed by two castles, deep forest trails, endless open fields, country roads, a small waterfall, crossed rivers over small wooden bridges etc. just an incredible experience. Temperature was nice and low to allow me to push hard without too much trouble, and aid stations right where u needed them.

Overall this was a very well run event in a beautiful setting. Great for a weekend getaway but also close enough to London to make it possible as a day trip. One other suggestion to organisers would be to have a few more healthier options for food at the athlete village (expo) for spectators, as both food trucks had similar menus consisting mostly hotdogs/burgers. I would definitely do this event again and hats off to the full distance finishers as this is one tough course.