This is an iconic course to race given the Brownlees' 2012 Olympic heroics and as such does attract a big field and a lot of newbies - which is a good thing. (On your right!!)

Positives - good pre-race comms from organisers, iconic course, great location, really well marshalled, amazing support (even in the torrential rain on Sunday and you're racing (almost) the same course as the elites.

Negatives - not great value for money for the entry fee compared to other events, long way between registration and transition (and yes I know that was done on purpose to make everyone walk through the "sponsors village") and poor quality aid stations/finish line feed.

I did this race because I wanted to tick it off before the move to Leeds - in hindsight I'm glad that I did, I loved the course and the atmosphere but I think that the organisers could have provided better value for money for the entry fee. My tip (which is irrelevant as it's moving to Leeds) would be to allow lots of time to get to/from registration and to the swim start as you have to cross the course to do both.

Bring on Leeds.