The One on the River Henley - Autumn

A race I looked forward to and would never do again. The race was delayed by the time it got to the sprint because it was still dark when the first swimmers were supposed to go in the water at 06:30. This should have been known before the race as it is in September. The race was unsafe and poorly organised. The marshalls didn’t know anything when you asked them a question and there wasn’t enough of them for the race. The swim - in the Thames being used by rowers and kayakers. There was no buoys to section off the area and only a safety at each end. Abuse was thrown by high speed towers as the area wasn’t controlled and they nearly collided with swimmers. There was no safe entry and exit point just people pulling you up the bank. The cycle route again had a safety either end. The road being used was a main access road with minimal signage that a race was on. There were cyclists going up and down either side so cars could hardly overtake for around 7 miles, this being at prime travel time on a Saturday morning. There was an accident which was controlled by fellow cyclists as the safety was not close, if it was any further down the road it would have been quite a long time before any safety staff could have been alerted. The run was fine. Thankfully I was only doing one lap but for the longer distances it was the same lap about 5 times. It wasn’t a particularly enjoyable route so a different route should have been found and used to provide a better race. I wouldn’t do the race again but thank you to the marshalls that did help, I imagine it was the organisers fault that it was so bad and not theirs.

For clarity, I think this is group of people trying to put on a great event in a great place for fair price. However it could be a lot better but might need to cost more. The bike course is dangerous due to the traffic on the main road which raced in laps so as it becomes more congested with bikes and cars it gets slower and more unpredictable. The swim was scheduled to start at 0630, it dark so it was delayed I estimate by at least 30 mins, I appreciate that was done for my safety but it was always going to be dark so surely it would always have been delayed? Very little Marshall’s on bike and run (to all the marshals who were there, thank you and I appreciate your efforts). It seemed a little unclear at times, commutation was super but I say this with respect, that it could be a great event but I won’t be back until the safety or route of the bike course is addressed/changed.

The river swim was beautiful, dawn light, lifting mist and a gaggle of geese provided all the atmosphere you could wish for. It was a little delayed, which perhaps could have been avoided by checking sunrise times for a late season event. The bike was another story. In other events I’ve done there has been a road closure where there is an out and back bike leg. This wasn’t the case here, and as I set off I was very soon stuck in a traffic jam of a bus and several cars who could not get past cyclists ahead. The road doesn’t lend itself to overtaking when there are bikes on both sides. As I was approaching the transition areas having completed 2 laps, with a half lap to go to, I could see two cars ahead who appeared to have stopped for runner crossing (this had been the case earlier in the day), the cars were allowed to go and I started to accelerate only to have a marshal jump out with no prior notice to slow down. Thankfully I safely performed an emergency stop and was informed there was an incident ahead and to end the race. Managing a major incident is something that no one hopes to do and difficult for any race organiser, so I’ll end my review there, with one final comment. Despite the incident everyone at the event (competitors, marshals, timing team etc) was very friendly and welcoming. The competitor we saw presumably running his own and injured parties bikes down the road barefoot to get back to race village/ transition deserves a gold medal!

The Aqua bike middle distance was due to start at 6:30am, but with sunrise not happening till 7, they had to delay the start (which was only decided around 6:30) which meant waiting around in my wetsuit, not ideal, and something I feel could have been avoided. Also opening up registration at 5:30 when it was pitch black was also a bit mad. The photo of Henley for the event was also quite misleading - the event is in a field. The positive was the Steward who sat on the roundabout at the top of the horrible hill on the bike cheering everyone on, he really helped me up that hill and we much appreciated, he must have a sore throat today!

I participated in the Standard Duathlon and really enjoyed the event. When I arrived I started it with another participant later than arranged who wasn't aware either so I think a louder mic and more detailed info would have been welcomed. I also believe the road being closed would make this a 5 star event. There was a serious accident and the roads albeit quieter at that time of day get busier through the morning quickly and the roads are winding and narrow. The last run route was really pleasant on the eye and the scouts volunteering i think were very helpful. Would recommend.