Well that was my first marathon so none others to compare it to, but it was a great experience. Funnily enough I was the 2nd person to sign up for it online so I've been waiting a long time for it and it didn't disappoint.
I know the delay at the start was a bit annoying but it wasn't the organisers fault and a couple of the previous half marathons I've done have had delays.
As has been said the crowd support was fantastic. It was very good at Hamilton Square, but coming out of the tunnel and through the city was something else. It was great being in the tunnel hearing the noise of the drummers which really pushed me on up the slope and then out into the open with a unique view of the Liver Building.
I didn't find the parks too bad, as I have done the half marathon there a few times and looking at the course map pre race i always expected that point to be the bit where I may struggle so I was prepared for it a bit and I quite enjoyed it.
I know a lot has been said about the course and the use of the parks, but I suppose it's a balance of being able to run on streets and being able to have them closed for the duration of the marathon. I also like the tunnel as it is a particular feature of Liverpool/Wirral and I'm not sure of any other marathons which use such a long tunnel if at all. I also don't know any other marathons in the UK in a similar sized city that use that much of the city centre. I know they have the BUPA 10k in the centre, but The Greater Manchester Marathon is called Greater Manchester because it doesn't go into the city of Manchester at any point, whereas this did go through the centre of Liverpool.
I finished the marathon soaking wet from the rain and only noticed on Monday that I had sunburn on my shoulders, presumably from the first few miles.
Drink and gel stations were plentiful so couldn't ask for more.
Best of all though I didn't need to use that change I had carried round with me for the reduced price recovery drinks as they were FREE!!!
Thanks to Alan and the team for putting it all on.
