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!