, with the main challenge coming from a headwind rather than hills. The run was reminiscent of a school event - three laps around the sports fields. First-timers agreed that the event was a perfect first triathlon experience - not intimidating or too challenging

for wondering if they'd turned up at the same venue; in 2010 the rain came down in torrents, but this year's event was blessed with sunshine.The perfect conditions made for a trouble-free swim in the lake. The 43K undulating bike leg didn't present too many

, old satan was in a very bad mood that day.This incredibly tough triathlon - which was moved from its September date to make way for the 2012 Olympics sailing test events - is one that earns you brownie points for life if you make it to the finish

Distance: 750m/ 20K/ 5KWhere: Karnes, Argyll, ScotlandWhen: July 3First man: Graham Leitch 59:13First woman: Kerry Macphee 1:10:12Last finisher: 2:04:29No of finishers: 117This new sprint-distance event is bound to become a season favourite