Be inspired by reports on recent races by our intrepid runners: we go the distance!

GREATER MANCHESTER MARATHON

MANCHESTER

Laura Fountain makes a return after six years to find out what it’s like to run alongside a lot more runners…

Having run the first Greater Manchester Marathon in 2013, it was great to return six years later to see how the race has matured since then. The number of runners entering has grown year-onyear, enticed by the prospect of what the race boasts is the flattest marathon course in the country. This year saw a 50% increase in entries on last year. There have been a few subtle course changes to allow for the swelling field, notably a section that saw runners at 8 and 16 miles running in opposite directions on a mile-long stretch of road has been removed. As a result, the race never felt too busy and there was always room to go at your own pace.

Along with the runners, the number of spectators out cheering has grown. As the route takes you through various areas of the city, signs welcome runners to Sale or Altrincham or Timperley and everywhere in-between. Not long after we’d be welcomed in person by the roar of spectators lining the town centre.

The race starts in Trafford, not far from the cricket ground and finishes round the corner right by the ground. It’s easy to get to via tram and there’s a lot of hotels around Salford Quays within a short walk from the start. You drop your bag near the finish then walk a little way to the start. Reports from runners at the finish were that the bag collection was efficient and friendly. (I’d left my bag at my hotel.)

Runners are enticed by the flattest marathon course in the country

There aren’t any hills on the route. There are a few bridges and a couple of inclines, but nothing of note – and this comes from a runner raised in East Anglia. On one of those inclines in the first half of the races, the sea of runners on the road ahead was an amazing sight. Heads bobbing among a colourful sea of running vests.