It has often been said that Ironman events are bloody expensive, but you get what you pay for. The Inaugrial Ironman Weymouth was no exception. This was my first Ironman event, but from the moment I entered the expo, to the finish of the event, everything was organised to such high standards.

all the staff and marshals were super friendly, and this was certainly a safe event. I was very nervous coming into this event, and nothing went wrong for me, but there was a clear feeling that if something dos go wrong there would be help and support near by.

The sea swim was managed by rolling starts and worked really well, even though it shares a start with the 70.3 it did not feel congested. I have had busier swim starts in a 800 metre fun swim section.

The bike was hard, very hard. I heard a 210 IM finisher say it was one of the toughest bike courses he has done. The inclines lasted for ever and the down sections did not make up for it. Aid stations were well stocked and the roads were on the whole well maintained.

there was one out and back section we did twice for the full where you go on the wrong side of the road. This was a narrow and fast section. One improvement would be to remove this in future, it is too narrow and dangerous, especially with te added confusion of swapping sides of the road. I saw a crash here. The aid section on this section left a hazardous area for us all.

The run was 4.5 flat laps with fantastic support from the locals. If I was not in so much pain I would have really enjoyed this section.

its a 10 out of 10 for me, thoroughly recommend.

To read more about my experience check out my blog:

https://pickupthepacepaul.wordpress.com/2016/09/13/paul-addicott-you-are-an-ironman/