This was my second marathon, following Brighton in 2016, so how would Manchester compare?

Registration online was easy and race packs sent out. It was great to have your number, with no need to collect. I would have like some more info in the pack though, as the main info was online so I ended up printing bits out. 

On the day it was easy to get to the start. Although we were given waves to start in they were not penned off so I was able to get through to the 4 hour pacer, my target time. I am sure others did this too. Hopefully it didn’t cause problems for others. It didn’t seem to cause problems for our wave. We set off quickly and although busy, it wasn’t too congested. 

The route itself was mostly flat, the only gripe I had was that there were many potholes in the road. These were not marked and I saw at least two people trip, including one poor girl at 1-2 miles. 

Considering the route went through some mainly residential areas the support was excellent and definitely on a par with Brighton. So many times I heard my name, which was lovely. Well done to the organisers for printing your name on your race bib. Loved the bands, singers, choirs and sound systems on the route  

It was easy for spectators to get around, my husband saw me 3 times: at Trafford bar and then at 8 miles/16 miles down at Brooklands. 

The water stations were excellent. They appeared frequently and the bottles were open and ready to drink from. The volunteers coped with us brilliantly. Thank you!

I didn’t have any of the gels so can’t comment on those. 

There could have been a few more loos along the way. I ended up waiting until 26km before there were no queues! 

Absolutely love the medal, but would have like it straight away, because it was in the bag I thought I had lost/ missed out! 

Enjoyed the Erdinger, have never tried it before. 

The organisation at the end could have been better, lots of family and friends waiting behind a fence which caused a bit of a hold up for the runners trying to get out of the race village to the meeting point. 

Overall I loved Manchester marathon and I came away with a shiny new PB. 

Would recommend to anyone looking for a well supported, Spring, city marathon.