I'll start with the positives, the crowd support was terrific and second, in my experience, only to the GNR. Local people came out in numbers and were very vocal, which was very needed in the latter stages. The medal is huge and a great design that I love! The course was varied, however I was surprised not to run through Manchester in the Manchester marathon. Although this is being addressed next year with a city centre section being added. The communication and organisation before race day was perfect but unfortunately this fell away at the start line. The pens were filled with non runners and the Q's for the toilets which made it very cramped and difficult to prepare properly. This works with smaller races but with 20,000 people lining up it led to an awkward start and people mixing pens which inevitably led to a cramped start. The aid stations were only water with occasional gels on offer, I feel for the price it wouldn't be too much to ask to have some orange pieces and sports drink at occasional stations. Overall, it was a good experience to run the race but I think I will wait a few years before returning.