This was my first Middle distance event and my first at a Big Cow event and it was great, I loved it. A brilliant race for first timers at this distance on a great course that's easily accessible for supporters.

The swim in the lake at Emberton Park (2 laps) was good once the chaos at the start of the race calmed down, and although the water was a bit murky and weedy wasn't too bad for a lake! T1 is situated only a few meters from the swim exit so there's not too far to run. Out onto the bike leg and the 2 loops take in some lovely little surrounding villages around Bucks and Northants. A few inclines here and there and a timed climb on one of the longer hills made it a pretty good and fast in places route.

Back into Emberton Park to T2 and for the run which heads out of the park into the village and through some fields before returning to the park to complete your first lap of 4. The run route is a mix of tarmac and off-road farmers tracks and is quite testing with the hills up through the fields, but it's all flat through the park so you can make up some time here.

Registration was easy and able to do so the day before and the whole race was well marshalled and signposted. Great medal at the end and love the Aussie bites and mini cinnammon swirls at the end! Definitely a race to be on the calendar each year :D