Returned here after completing my first marathon in Manchester last year.

They have improved a couple of my issues from last year which was good to see, not quite perfect yet though.

Registration is easy and you will get plenty of updates and the numbers should arrive in plenty of time as mine did. I did however see a few comments that numbers hadn't arrived even on the day before which could be a bit stressful.

From last year the start pens had been shuffled around and were much better managed this time around. They also had enough finisher shirts in all sizes at the finish this year after they ran out of small very quickly in 2018.

The race is great, good course with lots of support. It was a good boost to see some people out around the Carrington section this year as last year this section had hardly any and at the toughest point of the race around 20-21 you need those cheers.

The finish is great, medal and t-shirt collected and then picked up my bag from the well managed bag drop. Free pint of Erdinger at the end is always welcome!!

I have one issue - Parking. I'm all for sustainable travel but it's not always practical for train or tram travel. Parking is available at Old Trafford for £15 but it's not brilliantly managed, advertised or thought out. The roadworks sent you all over to get into the car park with hardly any signage. I know the area well so could navigate my way round however if you hadn't been here before it would have been a nightmare. Needs a rethink.

Overall though it's a great race and perfect for your first marathon, flat and fast with great support. There are whispers of a ballot for the 2020 race so get registered asap if you want confirmed entry!