First time I have ever ran a race on a running track and what a race to do - 53 laps!! Registration was quick and simple with number collected on the day along with a tag to keep count of how many laps you’ve done.

Off we went HM and marathon runners together and before long the leaders were flying past us all again and again. This race was more mental than anything going around and around.

Pros: Flat, water/food/toilet stop every 400m

Cons: Crossing the finish line 52 times before you actually finish the race, race leader lapping you 20times

105.5 glorious laps with Time2Run events at the Leigh Track near Manchester.

Registration was easy enough, we got an ankle chip to count the laps, and there was a large screen displaying the lap counters, MC who was very supportive, and music from the lap station. You could only hear it one side of the track but then it was a windy day.

The feed station was fantastic, flat Coke, Electrolyte drinks, sweets, biscuits, we were very well provided for.

Pros: The fact the feed station and toilets  you could visit 105 times! No worries about finishing in a different part of city to where you start like with some of the main city marathons. And getting to know fellow runners, as you saw them on the loops, and everyone supported each other. The track was a lot quieter once the half-marathoners had finished.

cons: Track Marathon is harder mentally and physically: looping round one-direction does test the muscles. Not a normal marathon challenge, and for that I enjoyed the uniqueness of it.

Credit to the organisers, as I left my bag there in all the circular madness, but they are very kindly sending it back. Would run with Time2Run Events again for sure,  was a great day.

In both the good and the bad ways, this race was everything you would expect. Mentally, it was very challenging to take on 106 laps of a 400m track! The scenery was...repetitive so don't expect to be taking photos along the course. The strain on your body was unusual as you're constantly turning left! 

However, the race was excellent for a number of reasons. Well-stocked feed stations every 400m, flushing toilets every 400m, a massive TV with your lap counter on every 400m, support from Phil and his wonderful Time2Run team every 400m and a wonderful atmosphere within the race for every one of the 400m of the track. 

The idea won't appeal to everyone but it's a great local race and the 'novelty' of a track marathon is something everyone should try at least once. Typically excellent medal for a Time2Run event and everything else I have expected from this company. 

This race was part of the Leigh Weekend On The Track festival of running.

Race tooks place at Leigh Sports village which is located just outside Manchester.

Leigh doesn't have a train station but there is a regular, reliable V1 bus service from Manchester to Leigh so getting to race venue although not perfect, was fairly smooth.

Registration was simple and there was plenty of pre-race information on the Time2Run website.

Numbers were collection only. Baggage store was simple but effective.

Day 1 had full or half marathon option, with Day 2 being a 6 hour, 'do as many laps as you want' timed event.

This review is for day 1.

The format was very simple. Half marathon option saw runners complete 53 laps of the track with the full marathon being 106 laps. I chose to do the full marathon.

The thought of running round a track 106 times would be torture for many but I have done track marathons before and was mentally prepared.

I just focussed on the miles and found it strangly enjoyable.

Plus side is it's obviously very fast, flat, on perfect surface and there are toilets and feed/water stations every 400 meters.

Laps were counted using a tracker which was attatched to the leg of each participent. Stick as close to inside lane as possible or you'll end up running longer distance than you want to.

Runners were kept entertained with music and running commentary from bloke on PA system.

I would have liked to have had a bit more volume as it was difficult to hear whilst running on far side of the track.

Crowd support was minimal and is fair to say it's not the most interesting of courses. This is a track afterall so it's no real surprise.

Marshals were fantastic and feed stations had cupped water, energy drinks, cola and sweets to keep runners fuelled.

Finishers were rewarded with a lovely medal. There was also plenty of cakes and sweets on offer.

In summary - This is an event I would do again.

*** It was difficult to give marks for course support, beauty and uniqueness. It is a Track after all.

Plus sides are obvious. Very fast, flat course with bags of PB possibilities. Regular toilets and feed stations, friendly organisers, good atmosphere and good value.

**I’m recovering from injury. This flat course meant I was able to complete, despite weeks of inactivity. If it had been hilly, I could not have considered it.

Negetives are quite obvious. The course had virtually no support and it can be tedious.

My advice is focus on the distance and smash a great time.

Thank you Time2Run for a great event.

Granted, Track marathons aren’t everybodies cup of tea. The thought of running 105.5 laps of a running track is some people’s idea of hell but in reality it’s not so bad if you’re psychologically prepared.

Leigh Track Marathon was part of ‘LEIGH WEEKEND ON THE TRACK’. It’s a 2 day event featuring Full Marathon, Half Marathon options on day #1 with ‘Run what you want’ unlimited distance on day #2. I chose to run the full marathon on the 1st day.

Pre race information was plentiful with regular emails & updates on the Facebook page. Top marks there.

I arrived at the smart new Leigh Sports Village. Race numbers were collection on the day only. Runners were given a timing chip which was attached to the ankle to give an accurate time & most importantly count the laps.

Half & Full Marathon Runners started at the same time but at different parts of the track.

There was a man on the public address system & marshals keeping runners updated on how many laps they’d completed. There was music playing too however the music was not loud enough. Plenty of volume is very important but it was lacking. Something for organisers to be mindful of at future events.

Track Marathons have plenty of positives. They are pancake flat, under foot is great to to run on plus there are water/feed stations every 400 metres.

The feed station on every lap was well stocked with home baked cakes, biscuits & various other sweet treats plus there was cola, water, electrolite drinks. Runners were very well looked after by the marshals who were very supportive & helpful to runners.

Runners were given a big solid medal on completion with results & photographs being published soon after on the organiser’s website & Facebook page.

This is an event I’d strongly recommend & one I’ll look at doing again in the future.

My advice to anybody taking on a track marathon:

** Getting in the correct mindset is crucial. Accept it’s gonna be a long drag & do not dwell on the monotony.

** Find a friend to run with. Have a chat, have a laugh & the laps & miles will fly past.

** Keep as near to the inside lane as possible to avoid doing unwanted extra miles!