Better than last year as they did try to separate people into time-pens. However, once again too many pink bibs in green area and too many people walking in the middle instead of on the edges as per the race instructions. Race stewards did no enforcement at all. Saw one runner get threatened with violence by a walker who was asked to move to the side as he came past. Needs better race day management and enforcement.

That was my 10th GNR and I think my last. Previous 9 were pre-pandemic and I felt like the starting line up changes since then are not favourable for most runners. I actually wanted to drop back to pink as I was carrying an injury. So I walked to the pink baggage buses with a friend to be told I had to put in on the green buses. So I couldn't enjoy the build up with my friend either. Fair enough I guess but the green buses were a good two mile walk from where I was! By the time I got there and queued for loos there was no way I was getting back to the pink zone on the town moor in time (and I'd already walked miles). I totally appreciate there are a lot of people but I honestly didn't find it any bother having all the baggage buses on Claremont Road as they used to be. Really could have done with some loo marshalls too - queues were wild in the green area. Stated well over midday - that's well over an hour later than I'd done previously. I don't know - this was the only gnr I've done where it all just felt a bit flat. I was so looking forward to it too. Crowds are incredible as were all the volunteers and marshalls - amazing. But will I do it again, I'm not sure now.

This was my first time taking part in the GNR and I enjoyed it despite a few issues. The pre race communication was good and clear. However there was a long wait to actually get going as we were warmed up at 10.30 but didn't cross the start line until gone 12.00. The holding areas need looking at as there were no toilets so people were using the bushes, creating an unpleasant smell and it would be good to have some seating to avoid the long time on your legs pre race (especially given the walk to reach the holding area). People were breaking the barriers so ended up in the wrong wave with no one to control this. The course was very congested which made a steady pace tricky but the support was amazing all the way round. I can't comment much on the finish are as I grabbed my bag to head for the Metro, which was being well controlled despite the numbers.

I was very disappointed, got to the area to be told I had to walk the town moor to leazes park to then walk all the way back around to the dual carriageway to come back on myself I got there for 10 I didn't run until 13:00 I walked miles and stood for ages in a crowd of people. Greens/Orange zone seemed to have a brilliant time, however pink it was great leaving however getting over the Gateshead side all the way to the finish line, there was empty water bottles everywhere, runners were falling all over, i step on a bottle with water in and pulled my leg on the last 3 miles, it was a mess! The public was fantastic but when I got to the finish line, no cell service, no charging points, couldn't find family for ages, staff just wanted us up and out for medals and bags. It was raining no cover for public, it just seemed when pink finished there as no joy left, everyone was sick and wanted to go home, there was no entertainment, queues massive for a handful of food vans for thousands of people. The emergency services were fantastic throughout the races I seen them with a few runners, however I think the event is poorly organised. Funny enough when you look at the GRN photos I only got 1 however I looked at my friends that were in orange and green and they have 8-9 each. I guess the photographers had enough also! Never again, i will stay with the Leeds marathon