This is 5/5 for me... An absolutely amazing event, and one not to miss. 

Lets start with value for money. It's easy to criticise Ironman for cost, and yes I think it is overpriced, however it is what it is and and absolutely amazing event experience. You get a bag which was not as good as last years, but the medal and finisher t shirt was awesome.

Registration was simple, and the whole event set up was based at same point, meaning no split transition and this makes logistics very good. There mandatory race briefing was the best I've ever been to and there was so much atmosphere. Please check out my blog for some clips that will inspire. You also got beer and food (all included).

swim - the course was really good and easy to navigate. It's in Baltic but warm this time of year. Suffered from a bit of wind that made it difficult. It was a bit punchy, and lots of people need a lesson  in sighting, but that's not Ironmans fault. The first 3k was great, but last 800 is shallow with weeds, this needs addressing really. I've never seen so many supporters during a swim.

bike. The course is basically flat and fast. You cross a 10k bridge that you usually cannot cycle on so a great experience. The support, and marshals are great. You spend most of the race in Oland... this is open exposed roads, the wind made this very difficult, making a subtle incline feel like a huge hill. If there wasn't any wind (like every other day I was there over the 10 days) then it would have been much faster.

You finish in Kalmar with a 60k route but takes you past the transition, which is disheartening seeing people already on the run. Although the support here is amazing.

run. Three loops, full of support and aid stations every 2 k. Kalmar centre is small, but the course takes you down every road and the spectators are everywhere. The home straight for the carpet is the longest I've ever seen, and you run past it three times before you can finish. The atmosphere is electric.

Transitions are simple and easy to navigate and the finish you are looked after so well. I was really impressed.

I thoroughly recommend this event, I will be back one year for sure.

Check out my blog for more pictures, and more about my personal experience.

https://pickupthepacepaul.com/2017/08/22/ironman-kalmar-2017