The Dambuster Triathlon

The Dambuster is a spectacular race with great scenery, the problem is you may have little opportunity to see it as the sweat pours into your eyes.

Set to the backdrop of Britain's largest man made lake and the beauty and tranquility of the Rutland countryside the Dambuster is one tough event which sees the race cut a swathe through the serenity of Rutland.

With the transition area focussed around Anglian Water's Whitwell site and the Harbour Bar Café the event always maintains a party atmosphere for both competitors and spectators even though the racing is often serious.

Commencing with a pretty straight forward 1500 metre swim leg, the bike stage then involves a 42km route that includes the notorious Rutland Ripple and nearly 500m of climbing which is a real testing course even for those who like the hills.

If the bike was enough to sap your strength don't worry too much because the final 9.6km run round the lake and over the Dam which is pancake flat may give you some respite, though the adrenalin rush may kick in when you can see the opposition for the duration of the run and the commentary is still audible from the furthest part of the course. Finally, with the PA and a welcome from the team and spectators who line the finish you're sure to find the Dambuster both one of the most testing and exhilarating events on the UK calendar.

As for the name, that's simple. The Dam at Rutland Water is part of the course on the final discipline where you come face to face with the competiton. It's not just that you come eye to eye with the other athletes four times as you cross it that makes it such a distinctive part of the race, but also because the Dam itself is an integral part of the psychological challenge where you can constantly see the opposition but have to prove yourself sufficiently strong to chase them down. The Dam can help you win the race if you're strong mentally, but it can also help you to lose it. It's a matter of psychology.