If you want to do an Ironman that is all about the athlete not the brand then this is the race for you. With the added bonus of being set in stunning scenery and in a town with a long history of tough challenges that embraces the race.

There can be few Ironman start lines that can compete with treading water in Derwent water with the magnificent Lake District peaks surrounding you. Follow this up with a bike course that takes in the beautiful coast line and while not flat avoids any significant climbs and finishes with a 5 lap run course around town with crowds everywhere supporting.

For me the tone for the race was set by the race director at the briefing "I'm not here to give you loads of information, I'm here to answer your questions and make sure you finish". I also like that they have stuck to limited numbers, it would have been so easy after the success of last year to expand the race and ruin the atmosphere. Will be interesting to see how they manage with a 70.3 running next year also.

So good points;

• great organisation
• fantastic value for money (£270)
• Free high quality race photos (very rare)
• Beautiful course
• Great support and easy for family/friends to follow on run
• well stocked aid stations and awesome marshalls
• Free post event meal

Bad points

• Part of the run course involves running up and down a wide section of (closed) A road 4 times. Got a little dull. But worth it to keep run course close to town I think
• errmmm it was a bit hot