Events

Overall score		60%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		80%
Atmosphere		60%
Organisation		60%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: The rain tried but failed to dampen spirits
In full: Flat course and perfect for first timers. There could have been better parking arrangements, maybe marshals to help guide cars to the overflow section- being local I already knew about this area but many were driving around for a long time looking for spaces!
Pool based was fine although many people did comment they imputed their incorrect swim time during sign up so like myself, some were left to either tail behind and lose time or attempt overtaking in the short 25 metres, risking collisions with other competitors.
Bike route was fast and fairly painless although deep potholes were a problem on the ride back from Thame Town centre!
Run route was traffic free along the Phoenix Trail so perfect opportunity to get your head down and run.
Atmosphere was great although I’m sure it would have been better had the rain stayed away.
All in all a great race and will probably make it an annual race.

Date of review: July 21, 2011

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Overall score		60%
Would you do it again?		Maybe
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		80%
Atmosphere		40%
Organisation		60%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		60%

In short: ideal if you are local
In full: Not a bad event but plenty of things could be tweaked. When arriving at the venue there was no signage directing you to the car park, it wasnt me being dim, there was four cars driving round in circles and trying various in roads. the transition was surrounded by an embankment, not high but nearly steep enough to be classed as adventure racing. After i finished i did hear some people saying how steep it was and they were just the spectators.

This would be an acceptable first timer race if some rules was explained, by this i mean i tapped a swimmers foot plenty of times but ended up having to overtake the hard way.It could also have a better atmosphere if the marshalls werent so glum but that could have been down to miserable weather.

to end with a positive, the finishers tee was quite nice, the course was easy, and there was energy drink and fruit at the end. and the biggest bonus was that i got back to the hotel in time for my full english x3.
Date of review: July 18, 2011

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Overall score		80%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		80%
PB potential		80%
Atmosphere		60%
Organisation		40%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: Friendly and fast, great for first-timers
In full: This was my first triathlon and I had a great time despite the wet and windy weather. Organisation was a little patchy though. Latest race briefing was at 8am and my start time was 9:42, which meant a quite a bit of hanging around (would give the briefing a miss next time, it didn't tell me anything that wasn't in race info pack). Poolside instructions a bit vague for first-timers - nobody calling out wave numbers. Next time I will know to be more on the ball. Easy set up for transition but some slightly slippy slopes to enter and exit from swim and to/from bike. Bike route pretty and flat apart from ma-hoosive pothole going onto the High Street in Thame - could have done with a marshall at that point to warn cyclists - I nearly came off and saw a few others who had hit the deck completely. Some mats from transition area could also have been a trip hazard. Apart from that, a great course for first-timers and one I will do again as it's very local. Was enough to get me hooked on triathlon and start thinking about investing in a new bike...
Date of review: July 18, 2011

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Overall score		60%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		60%
PB potential		80%
Atmosphere		40%
Organisation		80%
Value		60%
Beginner-friendliness		100%

In short: Pool swim OK. Scenic, flat, fast cycle. Flat but dull out and back run.
Date of review: December 18, 2010

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