Blenheim Triathlon - worth it?

As I've never done it I can't say for sure but everybody I know who has said it's a good one to do.

I know a lot of celebrities do it. Pippa Middleton does and Jenson Button participated this year.

I have raced there twice and would say yes it is worth it. Not the easiest course but a superb setting and great support. you would probably need a car to get there as the train stations are a few miles away.

How'd Pippa look?

So, I'm here in the UK, got a bike all sorted (commuter but beggars can't be choosers) and have signed up for Blenheim, car-hire and B&B all booked.  I'm a bit concerned about the cold water but otherwise, really excited.   Any last minutes tips and hints for the day?  I noted what you all said about the hills so have only been biking/running hills around Kent for the last month.

I am signed up too. saturday at 12:40 for me. The water is likely to be cool unless we have a hot week but they give you a few minutes to warm up and get used to it before your wave starts. Leave transition 30mins before your wave start as it takes 5-10 to get to the swim start and you have to be there 20mins ahead of your slot. They have a good briefing which is always amusing and then you can get in the lake. Be ready for the tough run up to T1 it is a leg buster. You are responsible for lap counting on the bike (3) and run (2) so some people stick bits of tape on the bike bars to tear off each lap. It will be crowded on the bike course so best to stay left unless you are overtaking. Above all enjoy yourself and have a great race.

Thanks for the advice and reassurance Dave, as long as there's time to get used to the water I should be fine.  I'm 11.20am on the Sunday, Saturday was all sold out so I'm missing out on the celebs and elites but I'm hoping that means less time queuing in the car to get in.

So how did you get on? I had a good race and managed a new PB even with a poor run so happy. the lake was cold though wasn't it!!

I was a DNS .  Thursday evening I tore my calf muscle getting out of a plane seat, horrible sensation to feel it go.  I'd been away in Switzerland, had a wonderful time and then just twisted my leg somehow - I blame EasyJet's seat design!  I'm pretty gutted, even if the lake was really cold.  It's healing well and I'm off to France tomorrow which'll cheer me up.  Many congrats on the PB and I hope to see you at Blenheim sometime in the future.

Disaster, sorry to hear about your injury. hope it mends soon and you get a chance to race somewhere this season.