Triathlons in East of England

From the organiser

From the organiser

Reviews

• R

  Did the event in 2018

  I’ve written a full review here.In summary, the pre race communication was excellent. There were a few last minute changes to the bike course due to weather and gas works, but they were communicated very well.The race briefing was very clear.Transition was small and laid out by number.The swim was 2 laps of Stanborough lake, it wasn’t a hectic swim and sighting was easy.The ride was not on closed roads, but it was early enough for the traffic to be light and not really a problem. The course was largely flat, with one or two small lumps thrown in for good measure.The run was 4 laps of the park, again very well signed / marked out. One climb in the middle of the lap, so it wasn’t completely flat.At the end, there was a medal, banana and water, but not much else. The marshals around the course and everyone involved in organisation were very helpful / supportive and I would certainly consider doing this race again.

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• R

  Did the event in 2015

  I love the events ATW offer. You can literally plan your year/season around their race calendar. I try to do as many as possible and all at a very competitive price.Positives:
  An easy lake to navigate with a sensible wave size - not busy or lonely.
  An out and back bike course on a variation of roads - best described as undulating.
  A pleasant quiet run on grass with a small incline. 
  Enthusastic marshals.
  Friendly event organisers.
  Fab goodies - T-Shirts, Bottles and Medal are great!
  Quick results printout and post race email
  Areas of improvement:
  The aid station could do with some sugar/gels?
  Loud speaker for briefing/presentation? 
  Recommend to all and check out their other events, so much on offer! Thanks Active Training World! See you at the next event

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From the organiser

From the organiser

Reviews

• P

  Paul S

  Did the Standard in 2018

  Race brief was very quiet. Did not hear a thing crammed into that small room. The queues for the toilet were timely. The marshalls were rubbish. One even told me to pull in and finish after 2 laps even though I was doing the standard. Which cost me time. Nobody was at the finish line. I had to rummage around for my own medal and cup of water at the end. I was then told to hurry up and get my kit nd bike out the transition area as the marshalls have had an incredibly long difficult day and want to go home.

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• R

  Did the event in 2018

  ATW always put on great events and this was no different. Well organised and in a great location. The swim being in Stewartby Lake (1 lap for the sprint, 2 for standard) was clean and warm, slightly choppy from the wind and rain but nothing too bad to complain about. A short run into transition before heading out onto the flattest and easiest bike route you'll likely ride. You simply can't go wrong on this course as you ride from the lake out to the main road then ride up to a roundabout, turn around then ride back down the ride to another roundabout, turn around and back up to other roundabout again, simple! 2 laps for the sprint and 4 for standard. Back into transition for the run, watch out for stones on the road/path as you run in if you're bare foot or shoeless before you move onto the grass to the transition area and head out for the run which is a nice flat route (1 lap sprint and 2 for standard) through the Marston Forest trails.As a fairly low key event the finish was basically a help yourself to a medal, banana and cup of water.

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From the organiser

Reviews

• J

  John O

  Did the Metric Triathlon in 2018

  Firstly thanks for a brilliant event. There was quite a bit of grumbling about signage. I think this affected the run more than anything else but personally I was struggling to know what to do at the end of lap two of the metric cycle. I had to ask and so did my daughter. Once I knew I was heading up the hill I was in the wrong gear and the upshot was chain off. The girl Marshall immediately put her hand on the derailleur to allow me position the chain, she knows her stuff. Give her my thanks if you can. For next year please number the bag slots. I made a fool of myself searching but others had an issue too. Please ensure we have similar weather at future events, it was perfect.

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• P

  Pat O

  Did the Imperial Triathlon in 2018

  Tough race, good set up serious weather

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From the organiser

Reviews

• A

  ALAN K

  Did the Sprint Distance in 2018

  Good event and nice venue but the run course was no where near as long as it was supposed to be and directions weren't entirely clear which caused a bit of confusion. Overall a great day though!

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• R

  Did the event in 2018

  Lovely lake and setting. Good, fast cycle route but the run was short of the 10k possibily due to a confusion near the circuit end. The run route also had a tricky path that challenged manners of oncoming runners. Also, I'm not on facebook so didn't see the pdf or get a race brief before hand. Maybe admin might email out for next year? I'll definitely do it again though.

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• R

  Did the event in 2017

  gosfield lake triathlon is run by the born2tri team. They have run this event for a few years and have it organised very well. Parking is not on site, it is in the local playing field well signposted, marshalled and a short 300 ish m walk to the lake. Registration is slick and well organised transition is wel marshalled and easy to navigate. They have a bag drop tent which helps when your a lone competitor so you have access to your belongings before the race finishes and transition opens for bike removal.  Race start this year was via a beach start style lining in up in corresponding time zones based upon your 100m time. Previously it had been a start in the water. This was the only issue for me as the actual start area was very narrow and once over the timing mat you were held up slightly. Over than that the swim is good and easy to navigate as 2 laps for the Olympic distance one for the sprint. The bike is two laps of the surrounding countryside on quite roads so not much traffic. The course is two laps for Olympic one for sprint it is quick however there is one hill per lap that gets you!  The run is out into countryside passed the golf club, part trails part farmers track and again two laps for Olympic and one for sprint. This is mostly a traffic free run. There are 2 water stations that are well marshalled. Could do with gells at one of them probably a luxury request rather than anything else! Into the finish line and done great setting, organisation, well signposted and marshalled. This race is on my calendar every year

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From the organiser

From the organiser

From the organiser

Reviews

• A

  Andrew A

  Did the Sprint in 2018

  There was just an area on the bike run where the roundabout to turn left to Box End didn't feel it was clearly enough with the marshall standing on the middle of the roundabout. Also after there were signs but with two events on wasn't sure if I was going the right way.

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• I

  Ian K

  Did the Sprint in 2018

  Enjoyed it. the waterski ramps on the swim added a bit of focus but tgis just seemed to spready people out so the bumps and bangs didn't happen. Well marshalled bike and I just loved the run across country. great run out, thanks.

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• T

  Tony J

  Did the Sprint in 2018

  If water was more easily available before the race so would not need to go to main building to fill water bottle.

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From the organiser

From the organiser

Reviews

• R

  Did the event in 2017

  Good event, simple but slightly cheaper than others around so would come back again next year. Did everything right.

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• R

  Did the event in 2017

  Really friendly event, logistics were really easy due to location of hotel & transition. Swim was decent (bit smelly but it's nature) warned on briefing about part of road being broken up so I took the first lap easy(ish) as I wasn't Sure where this was so I was over cautious! (If they new about it maybe posts a warning sign 50 metres before.run course was great except for the little single track just after the water station is a little narrow (it's a squeeze to get past someone) overall it was a great event and I'd happily do it again!!

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• R

  Did the event in 2017

  fantastic event just as good as larger scale more expensive triathlons great value for money

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From the organiser

Reviews

• R

  Did the event in 2017

  Raced this event several times now, it's the perfect season opener. Good location with parking, swim is in the rowing lake, which at about 4ft deep so not too cold for the time of year, also giving the nervous swimmers the confidence that they can stand up. Grassed transition area with enough room. Being from West Yorkshire the bike route is flat, :-) but for the rest it's just a little undulating, good route once you get off the main roads, although road surface can be a bit rough in places (2 punctures this year!)  Run is around the lake with a combination of surfaces, again flat.Facilities are good, you can also use the rowing club showers, which is brill when you have a 2 hour drive home. Event is well organised, marshal's are super helpful and plenty of them, bike course especially.Goodie Bag, one of the best. with great T-shirt and best looking medal you'll ever get!

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• R

  Did the event in 2017

  This was my second time participating in the monster mojito triathlon and it is a great event. I entered it originally due to the value for money, as one of the best priced standard distance races around. It is however very well organised event with a great out and back swim course which is great for beginners as avoids too much contact with other swimmers. The run course is also lovely and scenic.

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• R

  Did the event in 2017

  A well organised event with plenty of marshalls to help at all key areas/points.  The bike and run courses were excellent, well signed and clear to follow.only things I would criticise would be:1. the amount of weed in the lake, you were dragging it up as you swam, and got it all in your face etc as you went along!2. The medal has no reference on it to what event it was, where or when - this should be included as they are hard earnt and you feel proud to receive it, but if you go back to look at it in the future you would not know where it came from! (I know it is on the ribbon, i would like to see it on the actual medal please!)My wife came and spectated and thought the layout was excellent as she could easily see me exit the water, in transition, leave and return on the bike then see me several times on the run and at the finish.i would definiely consider doing more Monster events in the future!

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From the organiser

From the organiser

Reviews

• R

  Did the event in 2018

  This was my first triathlon and doing it at stradbroke was an enjoyable experience. The atmosphere is so relaxed and everyone there was happy to help and get involved. I would thoroughly recommend this event for those wanting to do a triathlon because it is just great! At no point did I feel under any pressure or worry and I think thats how everyone should feel before a race. Thank you for a great weekend and I hope to see you next year!

  
  Organiser replied:

  Congratulations, you are now a triathlete! Very pleased to hear you had a fab time and enjoyed the relaxed & friendly atmosphere. see you in 2019 :)

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• R

  Did the event in 2018

  What a great day, from registration to event day the support from Carolyn & Maria has been fantastic, for someone who hates water and never dreamed of completing a triathlon....madness!The event is very well organised, even the road pot holes has been highlighted!Thank you, Marion, Sally, Greg & Kevin

  
  Organiser replied:

  Sounds like you all had a great day! We're so pleased you chose Stradbroke for your first triathlon and very much hope we'll be seeing you all again at the 2019 edition. As for the watery element you know where there's a fab and friendly pool and we have a year to make you love it! :)

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• R

  Did the event in 2018

  i have only learn’t to ride a bike in the last 2 years, my thanks go to Carolyn for all her help and assistance.  Maria has helped me with my running and without her I could not have achieved the tri.

  
  Organiser replied:

  Wow, from running to cycling and now a triathlete, you have achieved so much! We're so pleased you chose our event and hope you have enjoyed every stage of your journey to becoming a triathlete. See you in 2019?

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From the organiser

From the organiser

Reviews

• R

  Did the event in 2017

  This is the 2nd time I've done the Pitsford Sprint and both times the event organisation has been faultless. A good number of safety kayaks and marshalls on course and it's a very scenic event, going out into lanes and around a reservoir. The bike course is surprisingly lumpy and the run is a flattish trail but both are unique and interesting. The swim in Pitsford Reservoir is a treat as this is the only time swimming is allowed here. However both times the swim course has been shortened due to low temperatures. No medal but a nice tee (fitted for women) and a hat are the goodies. Good lot of AG trophies and these are pretty wooden ones. Parking is close and transition appears secure. Also no loo queues and coffee and food available indoors afterwards. Would recomend.

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• R

  Did the event in 2017

  This is a local race for me and for a change went very short (Sprint vs Long distance!) praking & registration is nice and easy partly as this is a small race in terms of numbers but very friendly. TBF I prefer smaller races.on arrival in transition by my fav BTF referee which always brighten the day.post briefing, the race went of on time in a cold lake were the swim was shorten due to wind chill on the bike. Course clearly marked and really easy to navigate. On to the bike, although 20km the course has no flat section which makes it interesting.the run uses part of the track around Pitsford so nice and easy!small gripe, the timing chip which once ended in at the of the race provided you with a time, gave you no splits (T1/T2) or ranking which a bit of a shame.would recommend it and do it again but need to prepared for a thermal shock and potentialy a shorter race!

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• R

  Did the event in 2017

  I probably should have known when signing up for this that the water was likely to be cold given how early on the year it was - this didn't even cross my mind. As a result of spring/summer deserting us so far this year the temp of the water was a barmy 12 degrees, this meant the swim was shortened by 250m, making a 500m swim. That was more than long enough in there! The swim course was lovely though, despite the cold, big buoys which made following the course really easy, set off in 2 waves also helped to eliminate being kicked in the face! Short run up to T1 and I set off on my bike. The course was by no means hilly but I would use undulating instead, really quiet roads and big signs made it easy to follow. Back into T2 (with numb feet, made putting trainers on fun). Then set off on the run, an out and back along the dam and around the water, it was gorgeous and so pretty.All in all i really enjoyed this race and route, registration was easy with a 10 minute walk from the carpark to registration and transitionI cant wait to return in July for the Olympic when hopefully they'll have turned up the hot water

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From the organiser

Reviews

• R

  Did the event in 2017

  great organisation, fabulous support from all athletes and the bonnets marshals, loved every minute of it and would highly recommend it for all levels.

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• R

  Did the event in 2017

  my absolute favourite event.so well organised and the friendliest by far. I'll definitely be signing up for 2018. I can't wait.

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• R

  Did the event in 2016

  Am fairly new to the sport and this being one of the first I have attended was a great day, Great day, with a nice bike route mostly flat with one main hill to keep you on youe toes and a good speed to be gain on the last half followed by a good safe run with no cars to worry about. Well orginised and well attended and have to say how freindly everyone was.

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From the organiser

Reviews

• R

  Did the event in 2018

  This is a great event. Friendly, efficient and fun!! Pool swim in an open air lido gives it a really different flavour

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• R

  Did the event in 2015

  nice little event.  Awesome bike lap (as it follows the Bungay Black Dog marathon route)  nice run route along by the river. Good medal in 2017. The only downside is the pool.  Blue lining, blue lane ropes.  Blue pool floor. Everything is blue. It's like swimming round inside a big blue carrier bag.  Other than that. Great event.

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From the organiser

Reviews

• R

  Did the event in 2018

  Another great time at Fritton Lake Triathlon Weekend. Last year I completed the 'Triple-Tri Challenge' but this year I only participated in the super-sprint as hip OA means I don't run anymore but thought I could just about manage a 2.5k run...and I did. Rare opportunity too to get to swim in open water in such a short race (400m) in a nice lake. Whilst some of the road surfaces on the ride aren't great I enjoyed the short loop, it was marshalled superbly & I achieved a similar time to last year. The off road run seemed longer than 2.5k to my legs that hadn't run a yard for 6 months but the dry conditions, supportive marshalls & scenery made it almost enjoyable! I supported a mate who completed all three races & the whole weekend was a great success. Almost perfect weather conditions, this well organised, scenic & friendly event is ideal for all-comers in my opinion. There probably is scope to have a few more stalls/things to look at especially on the Saturday for those who are doing all events with time to kill, without detracting from the pleasant atmosphere/nature of this event.

  
  Organiser replied:

  Hi David, Great to see you back and competing and many thanks for such a comprehensive review. We're really pleased our marshal teams had a positive impact on so many competitors. It was great to see many competitors and supporters relaxing and enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Fritton Lake between races but we will take your comments on board re stalls. Hope we'll see you again in 2019!

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• R

  Did the event in 2017

  Really enjoyed this well organised event. Very hot day but lots of water stations provided. Great marshals on route to support competitors!

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• R

  Did the event in 2017

  2nd Tri with Active Outdoor SportBrilliant day, awesome setting and beautiful weather

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From the organiser

Reviews

• M

  Marc H

  Did the Olympic in 2011

  Fantastic event, big field and crowd turn out for a qualifying event. The course is a single swim and bike lap, two-lap run along the dam. Rutland Water is a great place to swim, the Rutland Ripple climbs on the bike will challenge you. Excellent marshalling.

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• R

  Did the event in 2018

  This is a local race for me but not competed for a few year.The numbers seem to have dropped over the last few years but still a very well organised event from a very experiance team at Pacesetter Events.Nice calm swim in the creak just off the main body of water, one simple loop and easy to navigate.Bike is undulateing and with 3 shortish climbs to test you and is slightly long for an olympic at 26miles.Run is an out and back cousre, nice and flat but can be windy, this year the weather was perfect.

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• R

  Did the event in 2018

  When I first got into Triathlon in 2012. The Dambuster triathlon was  race i hear talked about a lot. It was difficult to get into and was one that always had a high quality field. Well I finally got round to entering and I was'nt dissapointed. I know the area and the route well ... but you never get bored of the natural beauty of the location. Set at Rutland water a large inland reservoir the scenery is stunning. The swim is in good quality water in a area which hides the swimmers from any real waves whipped up by the wind. The layout of the transition is close with no major hike from water to T1. The bike course loops around the reservoir and provides a real challenge with some rolling hills with some very fast sections mixed in. The run is fairly flat and again hugs the reservoir providing stunning scenery to finish the race. Overall thus is a great race well organised and it's surprising it is no longert as popular as it once was. It was still a good quality field to compete against and  fair course to race on.

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From the organiser

Reviews

• R

  Did the event in 2017

  A really fab local event which I will 100% be back to do again Plenty of parking in the car park, I paid to park but later learnt you got a parking permit in your race pack, I'll know for next time. Takes about 10 minutes to walk from the car park to registration and transition. Super quick and easy registration, nice to have a technical T shirt this time too. The water was 20 degrees and really lovely, although it did get quite choppy out there. With it being one big loop it makes you realise how far 1500m is. The last 100m or so was really weedy and while they said they had cleared it it still wasn't very pleasant. A short run up to T1 and out on the bike. The bike course is abosutely lovely, I would call it a rolling course with about 1,000ft of climbing but only really 2 noticeable climbs. However you do take on 2 pretty busy roads, which even at 8:30 still had people driving past quite fast, if you are nervous in traffic then I would avoid this. But some lovely marshals on the course, only thing I would ask for is more sinage just to reassure me I'd gone the right way. Back into T2 and off on the run. Which was abosutely beautiful, running nearly a full lap of the water. 3 water stations on the course, including one as you set off. It's a rolling course but with no serious climbs, but the last 2 miles is tough. Which brings me onto the only downside of the event, advertised as a 10.1K it was closer to 10.4K or 6.5 miles! It would have been nice to know this before hand! Back in to finish in the country park just by the car park. No medal at the end and only a small bottle of water. But a bit of fruit on offer too. A bigger bottle of water would have been nice. It's an event I really enjoyed though and I would abosutely do it again

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• R

  Did the event in 2015

  There is only one word to describe this race, GLORIOUS! On arrival I was suprised with how small the race seemed to be, transition looked tiny with only three rows of racking, and everyone seemed to be a little bit serious......like, they all knew what they were doing.....(I may learn one day soon, that so do I) I was particuarly nervous, but I liked the feel of the race.Race briefing done and it was time to get it the water, I prefer a deep water start so this suited me well, and soon we were off. There were two waves and I was in the first, as it wasn't a particuarly big field there weren't many of us in the water but I positioned myself to get 'in the mix' as race practice. The swim itself was great. The water was a lovely temperature at 16-18 degrees and the course marked at well. I took a few knocks in the first 500m or so until we reached the first turn and then left the lady that I had been drafting behind to crack on. I seemed to be on my own for the rest of the swim, I could see what I thought was a pack in front of me but I couldn't get onto it so just relaxed and came out the water and ran up towards transition. I looked at my watch, now THAT was a good swim..... and later learnt I was first out in my AG. Yaaaaasssssssss!Onto the bike where I just wanted to get my head down and get it done. I had ridden the bike route a few weeks ago so I knew how beautiful it was and how good the roads were, I needed to not look around and enjoy the view as that would add HOURS onto my time! But seriously, the route is gorgeous and fairly flat and good for a fast time, I'd recommend it for that alone and it is well known that I dislike being on a bike immensely! Apart from somebody sticking some traffic lights in half way up the biggest climb, and the evil headwind in the last 12km it was great!If I thought the bike was beautiful the run was something else. Running the perimeter of the water was lovely, it was mostly trail and a little bit up and down (and long by a good margin!) but I loved every minute of it. I was told I would love it, that I would have a huge smile on my face the whole way around it and I really did. I would certainly do this race again, it had a great 'feel' to it, the support was great as were the marshalls out on course. Although, we were promised cake at the end........there was NO CAKE!

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From the organiser

Reviews

• R

  Did the event in 2016

  Well organised, friendly race with lots of support from the marshals and a great atmosphere.

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• R

  Did the event in 2016

  great race well run with all the simple things organised and set up properly. Will be returning if able next year

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• R

  Did the event in 2016

  Nice open water swim, rolling cycle route and scenic run round the lake. well organised, friendly event, inclusive for all ages/abilities, local for me!

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From the organiser

From the organiser

Reviews

• R

  Did the event in 2018

  I’m usually a fan of Monster races but I feel this one fell short.Pre-race information and registration was slick. Transition was fine and close to swim start and exit  The turn buoy for the swim apparently drifted in the wind and meant people swam 800-1000m too long. I have no issues with these things happening but I am surprised that its position was not checked on race morning. This much longer swim was a real struggle for some of the weaker swimmers and also changed the race for many.The bike course was ok on the whole although I am not a fan of cycling on busy roads and there was one section on a particularly busy and fast A road. Another long section of road on a dreadful road surface - a killer for the saddle contact points - in my view should not be considered suitable for the race. I saw one chap experience a broken spoke!Run route was fab - 8 laps around the cathedral. Lots of support.Aid stations were adequate - one each on the run and bike.Marshalls were excellent - other than the swim turn point issue.Medics on hand and attentive.I know four friends who did this race with me. After experiencing severe sickness and diarrhoea 24 hours post-race I started questioning if others had been ill and in my small circle I have since identified at least 25 others with identical symptoms. I don’t blame Monster for this - it happens and it’s a risk of OWS BUT I do think they have a duty of care to find out how many really have been affected. I also know others have been ill in the past. In 10 years of racing I have never been ill before. I have also heard that some boats empty their toilets into the river close to the bridge where we started and that a sluice gate is further upstream and opened periodically after heavy rainfall.It’s a shame that this race was not up to the usual Monster standard as I have raced a different event previously and loved it. I will be giving this race a very wide berth in future!

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• R

  Did the event in 2018

  So, the turn buoy drifted down river adding the best part of 1000mtrs to the course...and nobody on the event team noticed?The bike route is one of the worst I've ever ridden on. Some of the roads I needed a 4x4! Also, just the one water station. Not good enough.The run route is nice, and a bit of a challenge.The volunteers, particularly on the run route, were excellent.

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• R

  Did the event in 2017

  Really good event. As relatively local Saturday registration was ideal ahead of Sunday. River swim unique as only done lakes before. Nice fast cycle (in theory as this not my strongest element) on flat route although winds in the fens can make it tougher. Run superb - 8 laps of the town which means lots of spectators and encouragement. Marshalls absolutely superb, especially those giving out wristbands to Mark laps. One minor quibble was the car park wasn't brilliantly signposted as you got close or obvious from sat-nav and overhanging tree branches at entrance made it bit of challenge to enter with bike on roof. As it's close to home will definitely be back

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From the organiser

Reviews

• R

  Did the event in 2018

  Having competed in the Harborough Tri in 3 of its first 4 years, this year I volunteered to marshal - to give something back, which enabled me to see things 'from the other side'. The event coordination is superb - something you appreciate more when volunteering to see the attention to detail that the organisers place on all the pre-event preparations and volunteer briefings. Being out on the bike course and able to see every competitor coming past was really interesting to see the huge variety of competitors that this event attracts - at all 3 distances, from those out on their 'weekend bike' trying out a triathlon for the first time to those riding the latest hi-tech equipment and speeding past as they push for the best times. I look forward to next year when I'll be back - either competing or volunteering. Keep up the good work.

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• R

  Did the event in 2018

  It's my first year doing triathlons and therefore my first visit to this event. I was impressed by how well marshalled the bike course was, a marshall on every turn (not just a sign like at some other events) and at technical elements (some sharp bends) was really reassuring and gave confidence to tackle the course to the best of my ability.

  the run course is through a playing field and then out into a housing estate, at first this doesn't sound to appealing but the marshals where very encouraging and many locals had set up outside their homes with banners and sweets and cheered everyone on.

  Overall it is a lovely event, well organised, well marshalled and great for a first timer or someone chasing pb's.

  Thankyou

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• R

  Did the event in 2018

  Great local triathlon for all abilities especially beginners

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From the organiser

From the organiser

Reviews

• C

  Chris D

  Did the Olympic Triathlon in 2018

  Really enjoyable, open course with lovely scenery starting from and returning to the ground around woburn abbey.Swim course, good if a little weedy, bit of a scrum on swim start though.Bike course, enjoyable and picturesque, but quite hilly so very challenging and no real chance to settle into a rhythm. Some enjoyable technical downhill sections though.Run course, open and well laid out, really good support throughout (helped by the loops), well stocked and manned aid station!

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• R

  Did the event in 2017

  This was my first ever triathlon and I was a bag of nerves! Car parking was on a big field which was alittle muddy and full of deer poo that got stuck in the wheels/breaks.Registration was straight forward, picked up bib, stickers for bike and helmet and coloured wave swimming hat.Transition area was a live transition area as they had races taking part most of the day, so you could be setting up as someone is coming back to transition. The rows were fairly wide, I didn't see any problems with not having enough space.I watched my partner and the olympic distance wave start the swim, all courses for swim bike and run were relatively straight forward.The swim flew by, however the lake was quite weedy and very black in places - I came out with a lake beard after my swim, I didn't have a clue so my race photos make it look like i'm a bearded lady!Transitions were staight forward, lots of big signs to tell you where to goThe bike portion of the race was the hardest, whilst Woburn Abbey and the surrounding areas/town are beautiful, they are very undulating, lots of hills, some scary downhill parts and a very brutal climb towards the end of each lap. There were some cattle grids out on the course that could have been sign posted early to let us know they were coming, as if you go over them too fast, it can HURT! There were a couple of parts of the bike route that were also fairly tight and quite alot of people that didn't quite get the rules of staying on the left allowing for overtaking on the right. Some were riding smack bang in the middle, leaving little room to overtake, if any.The run route was a simple out and back loop - I saw some incredible deer out on the grounds. It was VERY windy and had started raining which was not the best combination. There was a water station at the start of the loop for people to grab as they pleased Parts of the run route were also quite tights so you had to time overtakes very quickly.The finish of the race was brutal and was uphill, exhausting! The medal was decent - though not different between the different disciplines which im guessing may be disapointing to some.Race times were available almost instantly.We unfortunately didn't stick around very long after the race as the weather took a turn for the worse, we were freezing and there was no shielding from the rain. I'd have loved to cheer on some other finishers and enjoy the surroundings.Overall a well organised event from Human Race, I'd definitely recommend it, although it's definitely not a PB course!

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• R

  Did the event in 2017

  Sunday Olympic distance first for me, son had done a few previously but not Woburn.  Scenic on a good day, miserable on Sunday 10th.  The lake was immensely weedy and garnered many complaints.  Very challenging to get a good stroke going for a beginner and off putting with weeds tangling everywhere.  Bike course was tough, but only because of the inclement weather.  It would have been lovely otherwise.  Surface was gravelly and the cattle grids were positively bone shaking. Run was quite boring.  Car parking was a field and uphill and downhil to transition - again on a good day not problem.  Difficult after the rain to exit the car park, some may have needed towing out.  As a local event it was well organised, but with all that space the location and experience could be improved significantly.  Would I go again?  Possibly, but no great silver bullet to get me back!!  Medal was average, same medal for all kids, adults and Olympic :-(

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From the organiser

From the organiser

Reviews

• M

  Marc H

  Did the Olympic in 2017

  Great race, with big local turnout and support, only a few waves. The swim is particularly good because the tide brings you back in nice and fast. A few kilometers of the run are on the beach, bits on soft sand, so that's pretty tough.

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• R

  Did the event in 2018

  I wasn't very prepared for this race. Arrived super early. Well organised (if you don't include the lack of prerace email ) I'm usually comforted as the athletes arrive but today I quickly became aware that it looked like a non novice event. I was defniitely going to be in the last 5%. Beautiful swim. Sloggish bike route and busy at the start. The run was hell. Soft sand for 20% of it. Quite a different event.

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From the organiser

Reviews

• R

  Did the event in 2018

  It was not an easy day to run this event, as it had been pouring down with rain the previous day as well as during the race. We had to pick up our race pack there and I was one of a few people, where they struggled to find our details despite being told to bring our registration email with us. There was no bag drop area, which isn't ideal when you want a spare change of clothes after running in the rain. All the 5k and 10k runners were trying to cram into the registration tent to stay dry so it's something for the organisers to consider should next year's event be during a wet day again. The course was mainly on grass and mud with some concrete paths. Signposting could have been a lot better (lack of km markers and one poor runner ahead of me headed in the wrong direction near the finish point) and myself and another runner felt the course ran short when we came back for the second lap. My suspicions were confirmed when my Garmin regsitered the run short of 10K. Some of these issues could have been eased with a few more marshals but understandably it wasn't a pleasant day to stand around for long. I had to pick up my race tshirt before hand and because I couldn't bring a bag ended up wearing it and it getting soaking wet. The medal was ok nothing wow unfortunately.

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• R

  Did the event in 2016

  Today was the 3rd time I've taken part in a Hercules Festival of Sport. Although the races are relatively cheap, I can't help but feel that the organisers are rather unorganised. The poor lady at the swim start was trying to call out people's numbers but no one could hear her as there was so much talking going on. The lady who was poolside and starting off the swimmers told me to start before I had even got in to the pool too. I did like the fact that they started the faster swimmers off first, as I've done others where the slower swimmers go first, which holds up the faster people.The run to transition is a little uncomfortable as you have to run on a stoney path with no shoes on. The run is nice. A little tough in places but no one ever said that multi-sport events were supposed to be easy! Whilst I appreciate the marshals giving up their Sunday morning to be there, most of them are kids are seem really disinterested.After we finished we had to wait for nearly 3hrs for the prize giving. I understand that results need to be checked as it's a staggered swim start, but 3hrs is a little excessive! A number prize winners had already left by the time their names were called. The same thing happened in 2015.Anyway - can't complain too much, as I said the races aren't expensive at all. I just missed out on 3rd place in the sprint aquathlon in 2015 but managed to bag it this year.  I'll be back in 2017 for 2nd (or maybe 1st!).I'm on the left in the pic with my partner, Del who came 2nd.

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• R

  Did the event in 2016

  Third year I have done Hercules Events whilst I achieve well in them and enjoy the actual events they do look disorganised. The events are great for new athletes and are a good entry to the world of multi sport. We rocked up and got our race packs with ease. We was all given our numbers and headed to race briefing at the pool side. A poor volunteer had the job to get everyone in order for the swim but she was fighting a loosing battle as she was too quiet and there was a 200 odd people to get ready who mostly where yapping and not paying attention.  It took them 15 mins to get the microphone sorted out and we was running late. Once she got in the swing of it we was all in order and the race started. Quickest off first which meant there was little bottle necking. The run from the pool is long and on a stoney path which hurt.  The 5k run is set in the lovely park and is quite tough. I have two gripes firstly my chip time was nearly 30 seconds out from my watch so my results show a slower time and secondly having come 2nd I was due a trophy which having finished at 745am we had to wait until 11am for the prize giving. Too long! Most of the podium winners for the races had left and poor mayor was waiting around for very few people. Need to break this part up for people. Other than that it's a great event for the family to get involved in from kids to adults.  Reading  my last review...exactly the same!!

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From the organiser

Reviews

• R

  Did the event in 2018

  I've never done a triathlon before but I've always wanted to and this event was amazing!!Everything about it was aimed at people who have never done one before as well as people who are regulars. It was an excellent experience right from registration until finish. I was the last one in the pool because I struggle so much with swimming but the people at the poolside were amazing and the support as I came into transition was amazing!!If you've never done a triathlon but want to give it a try then I would absolutely, 100 times over, recommend this race!!

  
  Organiser replied:

  Congratulations on becoming a triathlete! Great to hear you had such a good time Ken, and thank you for reviewing our event. If you're looking for a tri that has less swimming try our award winning Stradbroke triathlon. With only a 160m to complete in a 4 lane pool you're out enjoying the amazing views on the bike route before you know it!

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• R

  Did the event in 2018

  My first triathlon and my daughters second. Shortish pool swim. Flat bike and run courses along Gt Yarmouth seafront. Will return again.

  
  Organiser replied:

  Thanks for taking the time to review our event, we'll see you there next year!

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• R

  Did the event in 2018

  This was my first triathlon 7 years agoOrganisation gets better and betterFriendly marshals, great atmosphere.  A great introduction race for those starting their triathlon journey

  
  Organiser replied:

  The fact you enjoy this event enough to keep coming back is great to hear! Hopefully see you next year?!

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From the organiser

Reviews

• J

  Jeremy N

  Did the 70.3 (Middle distance) in 2017

  It was my first middle distance triathlon and I really enjoyed it. Weather was favourable and its a really good and varied course.

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• R

  Did the event in 2018

  done the race 3 times now, great event

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• R

  Did the event in 2018

  I chose Outlaw Half Holkham for my first middle distance tri after entering last year as part of a relay team. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole weekend. The location is beautiful and we had weather to match. The cycle route passes Sandringham and is far from flat. The run is quite hilly but the stunning views and great support from marshals, volunteers and spectators made it fly by. My only criticism would be that once the early waves churn up the mud and silt in the lake it gets pretty stinky. I expect it would be a huge job to dredge the decades of silt from the lake bed. Camping on site was great.Big thumbs up, I will be back

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From the organiser

Reviews

• R

  Did the event in 2017

  This was my first event and from start to finish I have found it brilliant. Easy to follow - all my silly first timer emails answered very promptly and a awesome event with great staff on the day . A cool tee shirt and medal crowned a perfect introduction to Triathlon

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• R

  Did the event in 2017

  Good race-didn't really like swim start in the river as it looked a bit oily and poor visibility but it was ok. Bike course and run loop were fun-strange distances though (44k on cycle and 11k on run). Beautiful town and good local support-would recommend!

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• R

  Did the event in 2016

  This was my first Olympic tri and I loved it. Fantastic marshals, superbly organised, well signed routes, lots of aid stations and loads of local support. Very nervous about the river swim but it was perfectly calm, windy but flat cycle and quite a hilly run for the Fens. Top marks. Well done Monster Racing.

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From the organiser

From the organiser

Reviews

• R

  Did the event in 2018

  I have done this race on two previous occasions but having now done a few more middle distance races over the years I feel my review may be a bit more balanced.

  Registration & the option to leave your bike overnight is straight forward. The Transition area is large however due to the winds there was lots of debris on the ground which isn't ideal.

  Swim is ok but i think due to the unusually hot summer there was loads of weeds and not very nice things at the start & finish of the swim. As its a running start the rocks underfoot were not good and certainly caused a few issues. Due to the wave system start if you were in the later waves you ended up swimming over/around the slower swimmers who started earlier. Not great for those weaker swimmers.

  Bike course has started to get busier since the first time I did it. Its well sign posted and marshalls on the choke\issue points but so many more cars on the course. Started to fee a bit unsafe at times. There is 1 aid station at the lap point offering everything you need. On the second lap everyone is pretty much out on the course making it busy with traffic & bikes.

  Run course was very well manned and the enthusiasm was great to see. Its a runners friendly course though not fully flat & if the wind is blowing it can be interesting

  Great run finish line and you get a medal, T-shirt & Gilet so plenty bang for your buck.

  Its a great race to step up & try Middle distance racing but for me that bike course is just getting to busy with cars these days. It being a Saturday race may not help

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• R

  Did the event in 2018

  A fast half ironman on an undulating bike course and flat run. Nice venue, good organisation and friendly marshals. No sense of local support but then the route doesn't really go through anywhere where people would stand out and cheer! A bit of a disappointing finish line/area.

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• R

  Did the event in 2018

  Absolutely fantastic event from start to finish - friendly, accommodating and enjoyable. Rutland is a stunning venue, and my family and I were able to camp right by the water, which also meant a later wake-up call and a short walk to the start line for the 0600 brief.
  Registration was quick and simple and the stash provided was amazing - good medal, nice cotton t-shirt and an embroidered Vitruvian gilet, all included in the entry price, along with plenty of nutritious (and not so nutritious... Space Invaders!) snacks.
  Apart from the mass beach start over stones, the swim was really enjoyable, the water was clear beyond the first metre or two of pond weed and a comfortable temperature. A short run to transition, and then out onto a wonderful, well-marshalled, 2-lap bike course with some stunning views (although measuring short at 50.5 miles!) The run course was again two laps and really well supported along the route... with members of my family popping up in their Team t-shirts at every turn!
  Overall, I loved it and would recommend this event to anyone.

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