So, this was my third marathon but my first for three years so I was going in with a level of trepidation. For me, easing nerves is all about organisation. If its a well organised, easy to navigate race pre and post I feel more settled. Pre race the bag drop is easy. Getting to the race village was easy for me as my friend lived a few miles away. Getting from the race village to the starting 'pens' was also easy. However, the race pens themselves to be honest are a bit of a mess. Positvely they are totally open so you can mill around as much as you like, but the toilet queues were endless and seemed to be mixed in with the pens. I was in pen G which ended up not getting across the start line until around 30 minutes after the start. Once the race started there really wasn't any congestion unlike other races.... edinburgh and york. The course is incredibly flat and it was nice to see parts of manchester as i used to live there but its not a picturesque course. It's also really open. We were lucky as conditions were perfect but in heavy wind/rain or blazing sun and you are talking a different race. Water and gel stations were abundant. The support was excellent. Enthusiastic crowds with plenty of banners. The finishing stretch is a good mile and really gets you going. Post race you funnel into the race village which is well organised and the bling is ace.... the biggest i've earned thus far. There is no goody bag as such but you do get a tshirt but there is plenty in the village including free non alcoholic beer and sports massages were available. The chip time text was prompt. What made the race for me, as in all races, was the ability to meet and have fun with my fellow runners and this race allows for that with plenty of places to meet, greet and have fun. This is a great race and yes, I'd recommend it. As a seasoned runner or first time marathoner go for it. Money well spent!