This race was about two things: the logistics and the weather! 

Logistics - I understand that Ironman 70.3 Staffordshire will not take place at Shugborough Hall in future, so many of these points will be irrelevant. However, I feel that it is worth mentioning that Ironman had obviously worked hard to rectify some of the logistical challenges previously reported at this race. A two-site transition is always going to be a challenge, but the athlete guide was issued in advance and was really comprehensive, explaining the two-site transition, and the timings in which to rack your bike and various bags. Additionally, the race brief provided by Jo Murphy et al was first class and really helped settle the first IM70.3 nerves!

I was lucky in that I was able to travel to the area in advance and recce the bike course and register on the Friday afternoon, meaning that aside from racking my bike on the Saturday, I was free to relax! Other people were not so lucky, or did not plan their time well, as there seemed to be a lot of stressed faces walking around! This was especially apparent on race morning, when the coaches which needed to transport athletes to Chasewater for the swim start were delayed (and ours went the wrong way!) meaning that I arrived at transition 10mins before it closed. I only had to put bottles on my bike, so wasn't too worried, but there were plenty of people running around trying to pump up tyres and sort other issues which can't have been fun.

Throughout the event, the volunteers and Ironman team members were polite, courteous and keen to help. The swim/bike/run courses were well-marshalled, with a good level of medical support, and the spectators in the local area can not be under-estimated - especially those who came out with hose pipes and buckets of ice water to help runners cool off!

Which brings me to my next point - The Weather - it was the hottest day of 2017 so far and not ideal racing conditions. However, once again, I felt that Ironman had worked hard to support athletes and gave sound advice in the run-up to the race. Unfortunately, there were several athletes who suffered with heat exhaustion and a lot of DNFs, and I overheard many complaints that it would be their worst 70.3 finish time ever... not surprising.

All of that being said, it was a fantastic day and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Swim - Chasewater = fantastic venue

Bike - rolling hills, beautiful countryside; first 10miles quite technical with poor road surface meaning lots of mechanical issues and a few falls; some riders threw caution to the wind in the aim of getting a good time, and frankly there was some dangerous cycling out there!

Run - mixed terrain course, very scenic, well-supported along 3/4 of the route, good aid stations; it would have been an enjoyable half-marathon if it wasn't for the beating sun! 

Overall, a really enjoyable, well-organised race, although a bit of a logistical challenge on arrival with forward planning essential to ensure a relaxing run-up to the race... and because of the Ironman brand, on the expensive side... but if you're chasing an M-dot, you just suck that up!