Ironman UK Critique

I am guessing registration for Ironman UK will open soon. This is a review of the course, race management, and host town of Sherborn. If you are thinking of doing this race, hopefully I can provide some objective insights to help you with your decision.

First off, let me make it clear that my only other Ironman experience was for IM Austria in '99.

Travel-This was a very simple trip. The town of sherborn is about a 100 miles from London. If you rent a car, Stonehenge is halfway. Stop there. It is freakin' stonehenge.

Lodging- Sherborne does not have many hotels. There are a few options for bedding. Camping, home stay, and dorm style.

We chose to camp. I dug it. Being a former scout, and an old dead head, the open field full of tents was very comfortable. Clean bathrooms and private showers were on site with hot water. If you are not a tent camper, you can rent a trailer that will be on site when you arrive.

The homestay program has athletes staying in the homes of Sherborne residents. I heard good things about this option. In its fourth year, the hosts have come to understand the needs of IM competitors.

The dorms sounded bad. curtains separate competitors. No Privacy.
But then, it is not camping.

Race management-The IMUK crew was great. Very organized and attentive. Laura, the same women that checked me in, also put the medal on me at the finish. The race had a more organic personal feel. Very little was overlooked.

The volunteers were incredible.

My two complaints. 1- No cookies, pretzels and chips on the run as promised. 2- pre race meeting included a few surprises with only 3 hrs till transition closed. To avoid a DQ, 1200 athletes descended on the Expo for bottle cages and reflective strips. I, thanks to Zac and Nichole had scouted out a bike shop in town. Just the same, to much stress to close to race time.

The course- The swim is two laps in a narrow lake. Sighting is simple. Just swim.

The bike course is hilly. Downhills are short and quick. Uphills are long. This is not a fast course. It is incredibly scenic.

The run course is also very hilly. It is a mixed surface course. The scenery is great except for the two loop mid hill section.

The finish is at the Castle. Very cool.

The town of Sherborne and Dorsette county- Pubs, Abbys, amazing countryside and Indian food. The town is small and very friendly. Take a half day in Cerne Abbas and see the Giant and abby.

The English people were very welcoming and all share a great sense of humor.

Summery- Sherborne and the IMUK crew host a really nice event The weather was often less than ideal, yet we never seemed to be bothered by it. The lodging is unique, and the race is a bit more intimate than I remember Austria being. The course is challenging.

This was a fun event and was very affordable.

I am glad I went. I highly recommend it.

I am thinking IM Japan in '09....Hmmmmm