This was a Home marathon so I was excited by the prospect of a fast, flat marathon. It was also my wife’s first marathon.

I agree with previous comments regarding the stadium start (good) and uninspiring first few miles (bad). 

Negatives first, the 2 lap section went on forever and it was anything but flat. Not Norma a problem when training for a marathon but having done the loop once knowing you have to conquer the hills again is a bit soul destroying! And the less said about that last push from the bull ring to the finish line the better!!

The medal was hidden in the goody bag. I do not like this, at 90% of the other races that I’ve done there was what can only be described as an angel waiting to present the medal to you. It’s the least great run could organise as a reward for finishing. Also, medal size. It was the first Birmingham International Marathon - it should have been massive!!

Positives. 

The crowds were amazing, especially that lady with the microphone at the start of the dreaded loop. She was morale and sang for hours! Also, big thanks to the locals that were giving out sweets, water, juice and I think I heard someone say they got given a gin & tonic!!

The goody bag was pretty good and the T shirt was nice and fitted well. 

Overall, a well organised race with room for improvement with the route. I’m unsure whether to do it again this year as the nightmares of those hills are still fresh