Wiggle Manchester Half Marathon

A Pleasant Surprise. I've done the Manchester marathon a few times, but have never done the half. The race was larger than I expected (I never research races beforehand and I've been doing local races lately) so it took a while for my corral to cross the start line. Despite the rain, the race was well supported with plenty of spectators along the route cheering. The aid stations were well-stocked with happy volunteers. No problems going through the finish line, getting a free beer and your bags. I usually try not to repeat races I've done, but I may do this one again.

5 * atmosphere. From start to finish the support from the crowd and energy from the volunteers was second to none. The course itself was great. I found the organisation at the start very poor. It was not clear where the specified wave you were in started and it took me a long time with increasing anxiety to find it. At the end it was a very long walk before you were given water and the goodies at the end was a soreen bar. I knew there was no t-shirt when I signed up but still a disappointment for such a big event