Marathon Details - Manchester Marathon

International Marathons > United Kingdom > Manchester > Manchester Marathon

Manchester Marathon

Manchester, United Kingdom

October 13, 2002

http://www.manchester.gov.uk

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Address:	Manchester Marathon Belle Vue Leisure Centre Pink Bank Lane Manchester, M12 5GL.
Phone Number:	0161 230 0325
Fax Number:	0161 226 9127
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (4)

Course 3.8

Organization 4.5

Spectators 3.8

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Number of comments: 4

J. S. from The Hague, the Netherlands (4/8/2014) "Flat and friendly marathon" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This is a comment about the Greater Manchester Marathon in the UK. http://www.greatermanchestermarathon.com/ The Greater Manchester Marathon is not a true city marathon. The one lap course takes you through suburbs,industrial areas, villages and small towns, but avoids the center of the city of Manchester itself. That may be a disappointment to some, but I found the course diverse and lively enough. The organisation is basic but flawless. There is no expo or pre-race buzz around town. One just has to turn up in the starting area on the morning of the race and all necessary services (clean toilets, check-in for bags, tents for changing)are provided. The fact that the starting area is right next to Old Trafford, the stadium of Manchester United football club provides some extra atmosphere. The course is quite flat for a UK race - only a couple of bridges and overpasses to keep your legs awake - and well-marshalled. There were no congestion problems at the start (app. 8.000 competitors, both solo and relay teams) There were plenty of water stations (at least by European standards) and three times we got gel. Otherwise no food, but often spectators offered jelly beans or slices of oranges. The crowds were very friendly and gave the run a community feel that many of the larger marathons lack. All in all this is a good marathon for those who want to run a PR, but like to enjoy themselves as well when doing so. My only negative comment where the organisation is concerned, is that foreign runners have to come to the starting area a the afternoon before the race to pick up their race number. In my case that meant that my possibilities to do some sight-seeing in Manchester itself were limited significantly.
David Terrill, Sr. from Tarentum, Pa. (11/8/2007) "Great job, Manchester. One to remember." (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Manchester Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Let me first try to eliminate any confusion here. These comments are for Manchester City Marathon, NH, USA., and not for the UK race. That said, my thoughts are all positive. Organization was first-rate, support from the city officials and police officers was commendable. You can't put together an urban marathon on a Sunday morning without cooperation from all parties. Way to go, guys. The course was hilly enough to keep you honest. Also, a bit windy as the nor'easter headed up the coast. Weather happens, and you simply deal with it like everyone else. The combination of the full and half may have led to some early course congestion for some, but I didn't find that to be the case because I ran an undisciplined race. Too fast too early, and paid for it later. Trying to stay near my training partner, who ran an outstanding half. I hope some day to wise up and run my plan. No complaints about any aspect of the race. Ran a few steps with a legend of marathoning, also. Joan Benoit Samuelson gave a motivational talk before the start, and ran a very good half. Tell me another sport where one can participate on even terms with a legend of that sport. I can't think of any. I'll remember this one for a long tome. State #20 in the quest for 50 has now been accomplished. I'm glad we chose Manchester for the HN run.
R. K. from Henniker, NH (11/7/2007) "Hilly, but beautiful" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Manchester Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Lots of hills! For a 1st try, the marathon was run excellently, and I'm sure it will get better each year.
A Runner from Manchester, England (9/25/2000) "good for a first marathon" (about: 1998) COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Quite a low key race, flat and slightly down hill even, I ran it as my first marathon 2 years ago. It was also my first race, I'm a convert to running, mararthon running particularly. Need I say more?