Completed the marathon leg of the race as part of the #uktricaht team.
This wasn't my 1st marathon but was my 1st time being involved in a long distance triathlon, i have completed a number of other races and some RD's/organistaions could learn from the guys and girls at the castle triathlon series.
All racers had to attend the race brief the night before the race, this was a very in depth brief, which for the 50% of the first timers in the field must have been very welcome. The brief also included guided walk around the transition areas and also the entry back into castle grounds for the bike route.
Despite my race not starting till some 8 hours later i watched the start of the swim and this all looked and felt very professional, a final brief was given to the swimmers at this time and details of all the safety boats that would be there for them was probably a reassurance for some.
The marathon route was described as difficult and off road, whilst this is true description of the route any racers interested in this race will be well prepared if they include some off road races, or hilly & muddy miles in training, but dont let this put you off as the chance to run round 2 castles is quite unique. And with it being 4 laps it allowed you the chance to admire the surroundings.
The aid stations were all well stocked with water, isotonic, flat coke, bananas, jelly babies etc, and the water stations with water (yeah i know funny that!) and high 5 isotonic.
The marshalls and volunteers help to make any event and here this is certainly true, some of the kids did look a bit bored being stuck in a field for hours, but that didnt stop them smiling or encouraging you on your way round, so well done and thank you to them all.
if i was to ever try a long distance event this would certainly be on the radar. But i'll maybe stick with the super sprint in September this year and maybe the Gaunlet in September next year.
Good luck to you all who race this next year, a difficult course but very rewarding.