What an amazing event. From the detailed pre race communications to the ease of registration and set up on the day, it was brilliant.
Detailed (very) pre race emails provided clear information and I had no worries on arrival of what to expect. The 2 day before message was very clear about lake depth and pending weather conditions - very helpful preperation.
Transition set up was straightforward as expected. Although a little tight for space (as at most events) having your name on the racking was a nice touch.
The lake (ex-quarry) was delightful to swim in. Shallow enough to see the bottom which helped but not too shallow (well in parts it was) to be dragging through weed. The water actually tasted OK too as I sadly manage to drink too much! Lots of space to swim and not too many in each wave saved the usual bashing and kicking at the start and around buoys. My best swim this year too.
Great help to get out the water and a short run to T1. Bike exit was straight forward and clearly signed out onto the road and away for the flattest bike course I have ever ridden.
Being early in the day traffic was light over the whole 56 miles (I think no more than 10 cars passed next to me) and the marshals and police support was superb. This all contributed to a super fast bike leg and a massive 12 minute bike PB. Drinks/aid stations around the course were well stocked and supporters all round were great. The turn mid way provided a great cheering point for friends there.
Back to T2 and out on the run. The run is flat. Pan flat with exception of one small tree trunk to get over (that got bigger each lap) and a couple of very small inclines. The paths are slightly narrow in places and a bit tight on sections that are two way but in no way did it slow me or hamper progress. Again the marshal support was second to none with most if not all cheering athletes on by name (names on race numbers is genius) and the aid stations fabulously stocked and supported. I was cheered and named on every lap of the run over the tannoy as I passed the finish area which was an added boost.
Cheered through the finish by marshals and friends in a 20 minute PB was a delight and post race nourishment was abundant.
The post race email the next day continued to provide information on results and picture options and news of difficult situations on the day that was equally helpful.
Prize giving a bit later was very positive for fellow team members as they won the Male 50+ category and the Team Relay and received fantastic prizes etc.
Other points to note - car parking was easy, clear and close to the race venue. The course is flat (did I mention that!) and certainly a great event for a PB. The Race goody bag packed with a towel, a technical T-shirt and wrist band was superb. Prizes for winners of each category were also very special an a few of us went home very jealous of winners trophys.
All in all a top quality event at a very reasonable price with a superb atmosphere and very PB focused course. I will be racing it again in 2017 and taking a few team members and relay teams back to defend titles.
A final note - this review is in direct competition with Graemes Pre and Post race messages in both detail and length! Hats off to you Graeme and all your team.
Hey Rob, good to meet you and glad you enjoyed the race I might have to make my emails a bit lengthier to keep up with the competition :) Look forward to seeing you next year Cheers Graeme - 113 Events