This race was part of the Leigh Weekend On The Track festival of running.

Race tooks place at Leigh Sports village which is located just outside Manchester.

Leigh doesn't have a train station but there is a regular, reliable V1 bus service from Manchester to Leigh so getting to race venue although not perfect, was fairly smooth.

Registration was simple and there was plenty of pre-race information on the Time2Run website.

Numbers were collection only. Baggage store was simple but effective.

Day 1 had full or half marathon option, with Day 2 being a 6 hour, 'do as many laps as you want' timed event.

This review is for day 1.

The format was very simple. Half marathon option saw runners complete 53 laps of the track with the full marathon being 106 laps. I chose to do the full marathon.

The thought of running round a track 106 times would be torture for many but I have done track marathons before and was mentally prepared.

I just focussed on the miles and found it strangly enjoyable.

Plus side is it's obviously very fast, flat, on perfect surface and there are toilets and feed/water stations every 400 meters.

Laps were counted using a tracker which was attatched to the leg of each participent. Stick as close to inside lane as possible or you'll end up running longer distance than you want to.

Runners were kept entertained with music and running commentary from bloke on PA system.

I would have liked to have had a bit more volume as it was difficult to hear whilst running on far side of the track.

Crowd support was minimal and is fair to say it's not the most interesting of courses. This is a track afterall so it's no real surprise.

Marshals were fantastic and feed stations had cupped water, energy drinks, cola and sweets to keep runners fuelled.

Finishers were rewarded with a lovely medal. There was also plenty of cakes and sweets on offer.

In summary - This is an event I would do again.

*** It was difficult to give marks for course support, beauty and uniqueness. It is a Track after all.

Plus sides are obvious. Very fast, flat course with bags of PB possibilities. Regular toilets and feed stations, friendly organisers, good atmosphere and good value.

**I’m recovering from injury. This flat course meant I was able to complete, despite weeks of inactivity. If it had been hilly, I could not have considered it.

Negetives are quite obvious. The course had virtually no support and it can be tedious.

My advice is focus on the distance and smash a great time.

Thank you Time2Run for a great event.