This is now the second biggest tri in the UK with c7,000 entrants (London has 10,000) and it is the biggest kids tri in the UK. The kids races are a big part of Hever and deserve the full support of the tri community. 

This race is superbly organised by Castle Triathlon Series, from the minute you start researching it, the website has everything you need to know and sign up is easy. Once you have signed up you get regular newsletters via email and, for newbies, training tips and the opportunity to book training days.

The location is stunning, you are racing in the grounds of the childhood home of Anne Boleyn! The walk from the car park to registration is long (15 minutes) and is through a forest, if you carry your kit in a box then your top tube balancing skills will be tested to the full. There are multiple car parks (which are just fields and all look the same) so well worth marking the location on your phone to find your car easily afterwards.

Registration is quick and efficient, transition is racking on grass. Once you are at the loggia for the swim start you get a good race briefing. My group was excellently briefed by Brian Adcock, the race director.

The race itself, the swim is cold, the bike is hilly and on some very small roads that aren't closed to traffic and the run is mixed terrain with the first 500m uphill and a cheeky little hill that you turn into blind just before the finish, oh and it's gravel as well.

if you're bringing supporters they are well catered for (my kids missed my finish as they were on the bumper cars) there's lots to do and a great atmosphere. 

I think it's a great end of season race to do, great location, great organisation, great atmosphere. Leaves you looking forward to the next season.