Very well organized and enjoyable marathon. Interesting route through the town and more rural areas.

Well organized race; I expected some problems with early morning drunks, but fortunately, this did not materialize. The spectators were very encouraging. The only problem was that the toilets were all up near the start area, which was not good for those down at Squires Gate!!

It was a lonely run, I'm sorry to say.

Note: drinking from cups is not a good idea; I spilled most, and on a hot day, that can make one dehydrated. The sugar drink was poor. A nice bottle at Mile 21 would have been a mood-lifter, but it never came, so I suffered. There was lots in 2008, so I didn't carry any and suffered along with others who complained on the route. There was plenty water and cheerful helpers at the stations though. Still, from past Blackpool runs I've done, something was lacking.

First of all, the weather was very nice, which is a rarity in the Northwest and might therefore affect my comments. There were no showers - not even a changing room. Bag storage was not organized at all!! Very chaotic! Maybe next time we better start/finish in the football stadium, rather then at the Hilton Hotel!

The marathon and half-marathon started at the same time. No timing chips were used (I did not read it before I applied, but it has been said that "chips might be used"). You got water every 3 miles and there was also one stand (which you had to pass twice) that offered isotonic drinks. No bars or bananas were provided.

The audience was almost nonexistent (and drunk when there), but well, this is Blackpool, so I guess it's normal....

A great day: perfect weather, fantastic organization and great weather. I'm really happy with my time for a first-time over-45 veteran. Many thanks to all of the organizers. Just a pity about the abuse handed out to the runners by small groups of drunken male youths, staggering about with beer bottles in their hands at 9.00 a.m. But that's Blackpool for you. Also, what sort of parents allow their children to play "chicken" and dash across the circuit in front of the runners?

Well organized, with water every 3 miles. Shame about the weather (rain).

I've done all three of these and I say the course to St. Anne's is the best. In 2004, I went 22 miles without stopping. It was cool. In 2005, it was red hot. I only made it halfway. And in 2006, the course was changed to two laps, which was tough. I only did the half in 2007, but I'm doing the full again this year.

It is well run and I do every race in Blackpool. I hope it goes to St. Anne's this year.

The organizers work very hard to make this marathon work and the people of Blackpool are interested in the race. It's a shame about the louts who come to Blackpool to get drunk all weekend and spoil it all. About 1 mile from the start, 3 hooligans, well tanked up at 09:00, jumped into the mass of runners and tried to pick fights with runners who pushed them out of the way. Later in the race, the majority of people ignored the race going on around them, and if they did pass comment, it was always some "amusing" derogatory abuse.

Having changed the route to a two-lap route rather than the much better previous run out to Lytham meant that we were subjected to this 4 times.

On the positive side, the water stations were well staffed and the marshals were good. Weather was warm and humid, and the long run out toward Bispham was hard work due to lack of shade and breeze - a real hard test on a flat course.

Only worth doing if the course is altered to avoid as much of the town center as possible.

This was my 3rd marathon, all of which have been at Blackpool. I found this one to be the best so far!!!! It was well organized, there were more people lining the route who were friendly and supportive, and the water stations were well positioned. All in all, it was a GREAT day - thanks to all who helped organize this run.

I ran this marathon last year and it was my first marathon, and I am pleased that I ran it again this year as I thought that all of the organization was much improved. My only comment was that I was not looking forward to running to Bispham twice, as I did this for the half marathon in Feb. this year, and it was challenging (I thought). Last year we ran to St. Anne's, and I thought that was best as we only ran the course once, which I thought psychologically was better. The day was great!!!!