I completed this race in 2015 and said never again, but was offered a discounted place (due to the course being short in '15) so I gave it another go.

Nothing had changed.

The parking is chaotic despite paying £10 in advance for a place in official parking. I ended up waiting in a queue for over an hour for a space I'd already paid for due to lack of signs and poor marshalling. 

The start is no better. I followed the signs to the start but after a while, I realised it was sending me on a wild goose chase so I finally found a marshal who said that I was in completely the wrong place (and there were many other disgruntled runners here too). I told him that I had followed the signs and he just shrugged his shoulders. This meant I ended up starting right at the very back...

The course is advertised as fast and flat. It is indeed but personally I would describe it as dull and boring. I like a bit of scenery but this is a road race in some unknown parts of Manchester so don't expect any pretty scenery (but you are aware of this when you sign up). And I mean no offence here as I love Manchester but there are better routes this race could take. 

There is some really good support on some parts of the route and there is some entertainment along the course. But in some areas there is nothing at all.

There are many aid stations across the course with water, isotonic drink and gels, so you can't fault the organisers for some fantastic and well manned aid stations.

The finish is just as chaotic. It has moved since I last ran this race. I assume to make the race longer as it has been measuring short. But this year it measured over at 26.37 miles (and that's a lot when you're running a marathon!). There's quite a way to walk from the finish line runners area to meet your family and spectators, and once you get there, everyone is just crammed into this area (I'm sure the spectators would have rather have been in a place which was closer to the finish line to see their loved ones crossing the line).

The medal is decent but the t-shirt not as much. Not to mention I got a small size and it's like a tent so not one I'll be wearing again.

So I'm sorry to say, it had its second chance and I still didn't enjoy it so not a race I will be entering again. Shame really, as it has the potential to be a cracking race...