Well Manchester was my first marathon for me and unfortunately didn’t go as I planned, but overall the race was really great and well organised.

I arrived quite late to the bag drop but luckily the queue was short, so it didn’t take long to drop off, then the queue for the loo was no existent so that was perfect

The walk from the bag drop to the start is a good 10-15 minute walk so allow yourself enough time to get there. Luckily we arrived at the start as my wave was heading out so this was perfect

Then it was on with the small task of running a marathon, I was surprised how quiet the support was for the first couple of miles, but you loop back round to where you started at about 3 miles so you are hit with a wall of support and noise which is great fun.

In general the route is well lined and in some areas the noise and support really was amazing, giving a much needed boost. Some parts are out and back, so you pass the other runners out on the course which is really nice, especially if you know someone else who is running and you manage to stop them. The only lonely part on the course is around Carrington where there was barely any support, but with fellow runners all around you it’s not too bad. The support over the last 2 miles was amazing and the marshals at the water points near the end kept me going for sure, as did everyone screaming my name down the finishers shoot. There people handing out sweets, jaffa cakes and oranges all around the course.

The water stations were all really well maned, always with enough water for everyone. The big criticism of this marathon is the fact they had gels on hand which no-one had ever heard of, so no-one had the chance to test them before race day. I didn’t want to take the risk of using them so I carried my own.

Having had some stomach issues, I can confirm the toilets on the course were good and well placed. Also I didn’t have to queue at all the 3 times I had to use them which was really good.

The finish area was good, quick to get through to collect my T shirt (although they had run out of small t shirts when I finished which was annoying). Bottle of water at the end, goody bag contained a protein bar and a soreen, plus a foil blanket. Nice pint of Erdinger Alcohol free at the end which is always a welcome sight.

Even though my race didn’t go to plan, I would recommend Manchester as a marathon to do. Its really flat with just one slight incline on the course. Great for first timers or those wanting a new PB