** I selected I ran marathon but actually ran all four races - this is reviewing all four.

 Blackpool Running Festival took place over 2 days. There were lots of pre-race information in the build up.
Race numbers were collection only. This could be done on race day or in the days leading up to the event. 

DAY ONE had 
10km race at 10:30am,
5km race at 1pm & 
2km race at 2pm. The gaps between each start meant it is possible to run all 3 of these races if you're brave enough.
All events were chip timed and mass start.  Each course was pretty flat, with only the odd undulation. The 5k race in particular had one short, sharp hill to tackle but overall all 3 races had lots of PB potential. 
I ran all 3 races on day 1, choosing to race the 10k and 5k and use the 2k race as a warm down run. 
10k & 5k races had a real mixture of abilities with the usual speedy runners at the front. The 2k race had lots of junior running clubs participating and families running together, which was nice. Some of those youngsters are lightening fast over that short distance. 
Finishers of each of the races received a smart bespoke medal. 

DAY 2 had Half or Full Marathon options with both races starting at 9am.
Once again the races were chip timed & a mass start.
I entered the Full Marathon. This was a near 2 lapped course. Route had a couple of mild undulations but nothing bad. Some people struggle with the long out-and-backs but I personally didn't mind it at all. This course has lots of PB opportunities if the weather is kind. 
There were some nice sprinkling of support from holiday makers & locals, which was welcome.
Aid stations were regular but contained water only. I was expecting there to be some nutrition option but surprisingly there wasn't. 
Finishers of the Marathon or Half Marathon received a quality medal, nice finishers shirt and a bottle of water. Once again there was no post race nutrition. 

Thank you for a brilliant weekend. 

In summary-
Brilliantly organised series of events. Excellent value & a super atmosphere.  Variation of distances mean there's something to suit all abilities. Lovely to see families running together on day one. Experiences like that can provide life long memories for children. 
Blackpool Marathon is a race I would certainly recommend. 

I ran both the 10k and the half marathon this weekend. As ever very well organised and marshalled, quality bling and the obligatory Freddo. Both routes are pretty flat and easy to navigate, crowd support was decent and there was a good atmosphere among the runners. Always happy to recommend FCR Events, never run a bad one. 

Mostly flat course along the sea front although your ar the mercy of the weather being on the west coast.

Blackpool is easy to get to and has plenty of cheap hotels and b and bs so you can make a weekend of it, theres plenty to do and see in the area.

The course is a PB course having only 1 decent incline to climb up from the prom upto the road level again. 

Overall it was a decent race worth doing and a cheap weekend away.

This was my third time of running this half marathon, and once again no complaints. It's a road/path course and flat most of the way, with just slight inclines in the second half of the race. Good supplies of water every few miles.

Support on the course is thin, so some may like their own music to listen to. It's right along the sea front and this can bring some inclement weather. This year it was cold, wet and windy, but last year it was warm and sunny. Be prepared for all eventualities.

A straightforward run with no hick ups. FCR events are always pretty good in my opinion. A good medal and t-shirt at the finish, with chip timing as standard.

Give it a go, you'll probably enjoy it and may even PB.

First review from me!! I booked this as plan-B for London, and of course, I recieved the inevitable 'Sorry' magazine through the post!!

On the plus-side, the entry is very reasonable, and not only that, the hotels are well-priced too, not like your usual city marathon experience. I paid £25 for a 1-night stop and was right near the start.... I got what I deserved, as it turns out a mostly stag party hotel!!! £14 for a 48-hour car park, again right near the start, so one of the most sensibly priced marathons!!

No race numbers were posted, so you have to collect. I just missed the 2pm cut-off for saturday collection, so hoped down from hotel 7am Sunday morning. Word to the wise-if you're not staying so near start, do all you can to get your race number Saturday daytime. Many were stood at 7am in the freezing cold waiting Sunday morning, not a good start!

The Marathon was 2 laps, and the buzz was great at the start-line, you head past the tower towards Blackpool Pleasure Beach, and then loop back to the other side of the coast. The route around the main part was great, lots of support (more on lap one thanks to the supporters of theHalf-Marathon) however the loop out of town round the coastline back to the Tower has no support... be warned, it's a tough section, and you'll need to do it again! Hard to see this being avoided unless they used more of the town centre, but then the extra costs for road closures may not be viable.

There was bottled water every 3 miles or so, but no snacks or energy gels. I carry all with me anyway so wasn't a problem for me.

There wasn't many toilets, so be warned!! A couple of 20p entries on route and that's about it, without relying on the kindness of the businesses in the main part!

Medal and T-Shirt at the finish, with a Banana and Chcolate too! 

Overall was a great event for the price, especially when you factor in hotels and car park costs! One I would run again.