If you're a first time marathoner and want a well organised, well marshalled and well supported race to lose your marathon virginity, this is the one for you - oh and it's pretty flat too!

Pros (in no particular order)

• The marshals on this race were absolutely brilliant.
• Easy to find bag drop and lots of portaloos near bag drop and nearby.
• Bag drop was very easy (but see below for a bag drop related "con".
• Very well signed and marshalled course so you couldn't get lost/go astray.
• Fabulous (massive!) medal
• Fairly flat route
• Really brilliant local support on the route, including people handing out sweets - and hot dogs!

Cons (again, in no particular order)

• They need to sort out the start pens and marshal them properly to stop spectators hanging about in them. Especially ones with children and buggies, there just isn't room.
• The first toilet was a long way into the race (I can't remember exactly where). Then the majority of the loos are quite a way from the start line, that isn't particularly good.
• It would be a really nice touch if they handed you your medal as you finish rather than it being in the bag and you have to dig about for it
• Only Large and Extra Large tshirts by the time I'd finished. Races need to start printing what size tshirt you've ordered on your bib then this wouldn't happen.
• Poor goodie bag - t shirt (wrong size), horrible protein bar, and a mini malt loaf. 
• Although bag drop itself was seamless, having to wear a wristband was horrible as it irritated as a got sweaty. Much better to have corresponding number to your race number which is a tear off on the bib. If smaller races can do this, Manchester Marathon should be able to.
• Erdinger had packed up by the time we got there. If you advertise a final 7 hour cut off, everyone needs to wait! Everyone should get the same opportunity for the same things when they finish.
• The gels provided at the water stations, although plentiful, were a brand which isn't available in the UK, so you couldn't try beforehand to make sure they suited you. Please swap to a brand which is easily available!

Even though I have more Cons than Pros, I really would recommend this race. I'd certainly consider doing it again.