The "Flash" as it is known is a large body of water that lends itself perfectly for open water swimming. It is located in a small country park where the transition is set up for the race. Access is gained on race day by parking at Leigh Sport Village and waking the short distance to the venue.

On the map below you can see marked - Point C - behind this marker is a large field and this is where transition is set up for the race. The entry  to the course is on the shoreline slightly down from the marker point and on race day there will be a huge blue inflatable archway to use as your sighting point.

The course itself is a simple affair. About 100m from the entry point is the official deep water start (marked by white inflatable bouys on the day) and once the gun goes bang, then you complete two loops of a well marked and guided course. The loop heads off towards and past Point A before dropping down towards the marina (marked as Green Lane on the map). You will then turn again and head back towards Point C and the white start line bouys. All the way round there are TV boats and safety canoes making sure there are no problems with navigation.

I found the 2011 swim to be a really well organised IM swim with just the right amount of "biff and bash" at the start but plenty of clear water once you got underway. One word of caution is to try and keep tight at the top end of the course, as there were a few reports of a "diesel taste" from those who strayed more towards the marina - be warned.  

Here is the Google Maps Link for those who want to explore more:

The "Flash" is situated right next the East Lancashire Road (A580) which connects Manchester to Liverpool and this makes it extremely good for athletes and spectactors alike.

Across the parkland road from the Flash is Leigh Sports Village where registration and the Expo takes place.

The photograph below was taken with my back to the water and this is the field that leads to the path to the Sports Village. In the distance is the Park Inn on the same site.

You will have seen the course maps on the official site and this is what it looks like in reality

Entry and Exit from the swim is in the same place via the ramp. This was taken the day before

the race in 2009 - the red carpet gets extended all the way down and into the water on race

day.

You will then run round to the left and onto the grass to approach T1 - on race day there will be the

plastic fencing along those poles and you will run down a channel following the "powerbar" signs to the left:

You will be full of adrenaline after your swim and the change tent will be a hive of panic and activity.

Stay cool, try and find a seat or a comfortable spot and go through what you have planned.

Make sure you have all your kit, food and whatever else you need for the day - taking a little extra

time here could actually make or save your race in the end.

T1 is big place - make sure you know where your bike is - dont waste time getting lost !!!

As you enter transition there are a row of portaloos to your left and then you go to the far end to collect your blue bag and through to the change area, where there are some seats and plenty of room to get changed.