A lovely event for my first open water triathlon consisting of a 750m lake swim, 20k one lap  bike route and a 2 lap 5km course around the same lake you swim in.

SWIM: this was the bit I was worried about having only ever competed in pool triathlons. Unfortunately I couldn't hear very much of the briefing as it's announced as you enter the lake and everyone was talking. We also didn't have very long to acclimatise which unsettled me and I panicked a bit when it started. Once I'd calmed down, the water was warm and clear with plenty of canoe marshals and a lead canoe to guide everyone around. There were also about 4 marshals to help with the exit from the water which I appreciated.

BIKE: A very fast and flat route that was lead out of transition on a well marked mat. I was pleased to see the police helping to stop traffic at a tricky crossroads at the start of the route but I wasn't a fan of the short section through the industrial estate in Cirencester as the road surface was very poor, but the marshals were very vocal and warning you of potholes in good time. After the dismount line, you enter transition the same way you went out but there is no mat to run on which made it difficult in cleats. 

RUN: A very pretty route around the lake along wooded trail paths which is very narrow. This made it tricky for faster runners to pass, especially when I started my second lap as it became very busy. You're also directed to run through a play park through two very narrow gates which caused problems for a few people.

TRANSITION: This area is very small and it was difficult not to get in each other's way.

FINISH LINE: The approach to the finish looks a lot like the professional ones you see on TV, which I loved, and the commentator was doing a great job of calling out everyone's names and cheering them along. Her Freudian slip when pronouncing one particular surname really made me chuckle as I crossed the line! Everything after that, I must admit, I hated. It was so crowded at the end with the results tent, massage gazebo, medals, water, finishers and spectators crammed into a very small space, it made me feel very claustrophobic and anxious as I couldn't find my own space to get my breath back. I've never felt like that at the end if a race and it unfortunately spoilt some of my enjoyment.

Overall, the organisation was fantastic and communication on the lead up to the event was very helpful. Even registering the day before didn't bother me too much as it meant I had less to worry about on race day. I'm not sure I will be back but I had a lovely morning out with friends. Thank you Tri Ferris.