First time at this Castles venue for me, I'd always been intrigued. Wasn't disappointed, its fabulous as usual. What a lovely event, superbly organised as usual. And how do Castles Tri always get the friendliest marshalls? After last weeks heatwave, which only returned to normal temps overnight, we were very lucky still to be allowed to use wetsuits for the Gauntlet (half-ironman '70.3') distance (only!). The shorter distances had less dispensation and were non-wetsuit! The lake was lovely and warm, joy/ Shallow at the edges, so you could stand at the start line, and round the farthest turning buoy if you desired. Australian Exit is always fun, so you get a breather at half way. The 6 lap bike course is entertaining, consistently twisting and undulating, never a dull moment, in a figure of 8, with one give way point of jeopardy. The roads outside of the castle gorounds weren't closed, but didn't need to be, it's so quiet round there. Loved it, and seemed to fly by for a middle distance, never seemed daunting. Going back through the castle each lap was a buzz, plenty of support. Road surfaces not too bad. The run course is approx 50% tarmac and tame trail. Unless its been particularly wet, stable road shoes are fine. It trots through the campsite at one point, set up your tents accordingly! There's one lumpy offroad bit near the end, spices it up from a smash fest. Approx 10 mins slower than an equivalent flat road half marathon course. Nice finish coming down from the castle front. Gauntlet competitors are well looked after. Aside from the quality TShirt and big medal, we get a free massage, and a decent meal from one of the catering vans. (Deluxe cheese toastie) Lovely venue, well organised, what's not to like. Recommended.