I’ll give it a miss. Mainly because I know that Mrs FP and especially LO are desperate to go to Japan, this is out of school holidays. So if I had gotten a ballot entry that would have fine but spending megabucks on just myself seems to rub their noses in it a bit.
I’m meeting our friend that did IM CPH tomorrow for a coffee, plan B 
I’m trying to find out if they’re doing a 6 star ballot, that’s Abbott WMM, looks like it’s usually late October or early November but no definite details for this so hopefully it’ll still happen.
Not really interested in a sports package, I’ll just keep trying.
Good luck 
Probably irrelevant for you but I emailed Abbott about the 6*, apparently there will be one in early November which doesn’t give you long for training but I think they wait to see if anyone reaches the quota at New York which is usually the last of the year.
Apparently there’s also some dubious way that you can enter a virtual race for $45, run 21K somewhere and upload it, it needs to be done at some point from Oct 6-13th and you basically buy an extra ticket in a lottery, sounds like a fiddle. I’m not sure it will work for you as I think you still need to have 4 stars.
So, I’ll try this ballot, can’t see me paying $45 for a second ticket though.
Road to the Majors – October Half Marathon Challenge (abbottwmmglobalrunclub.com)
Yeah that all sounds a bit too secret squirrel for me but good luck to you.
If it’s of any interest the Cleveland Steelman is on Saturday 19th July next year, probably be opening before long.
Even poet can’t complain about the entry cost!
Priority entry for Wales, Leeds and Italy for 2025.
Still pondering Barca when that appears but doubting my enthusiasm ATM 
Just entered 70.3 Swansea
Anyone got a link to their ride on Strava etc?
I think @bbt67 did you race there this year?
Yes I did, I am not linking my ride it was sh1t. 
(on a broken bike as well)
The bike has changed every year so far. I put it on best bikesplit, can’t remember as private or public and no longer have a sub.
I’ll look later.
Edit: looks like they are Private
It got changed from Provisional route
to
I know which I prefer:
https://www.strava.com/segments/34973441
https://www.strava.com/segments/37339391
Jesus, top one please.
I’ll have a look once I’m home to see what was used this year!
Although the QOM for both is held by the same women and she went 10mins quicker in 24 than 23.
Harry Palmer’s ride is quicker too.
330 watt avg - beast!
Why?
You’d be getting off and walking up the 15-20% climb up a narrow lane on the 2023 route due to many walking or a car on course and causing you to walk in the hedge.
Its a Pro-series race next year, no way are they using that lane in 2025. Well its IM so maybe.
Okay if a good swim and you are getting there before the excellent swimmers but semi decent bikers.
Very good conditions this year, 2023 was grim by all acounts, cant compare, although conditions aside, this years course was quicker on paper and in reality.
Did you enter so you could get priority entry to Leeds Full? 
Ha no!
As I posted recently I’m avoiding the full distance next year.
I said the top one as that route had 300 metres ascent vs over 1000 on the bottom link.
I’m happy with 1000 metres though, trying to play to my strengths race selection, sea swim, hilly bike, flat run
And I don’t walk hills
There’s no way it’s 300m elevation. The gower is up and down. Lovely area though. Lived in Swansea for 4 years during my younger student days!
If the price wasn’t so silly I’d be tempted.
Around £350 odd.
Birthday pressie to myself