Manchester Marathon Oct 2021

Naked Lepper · 15-07-2021 6:54pm #1

Not sure there is a thread for the MCR marathon.

Are there many traveling for it? Whats your travel plans etc?

Has anyone run it before? I see it is a flat course which is nice. Hopefully weather is as nice as Dublin has been the past two years

healy1835 · 16-07-2021 11:33am

I'm in. Looking forward to it, as like most people, it'll be 2 years since my last marathon. Lots of training has gone on since, in the hope of getting another crack at a big race day.

Course looks decent. Have been in Manchester countless times for matches but never really took any notice of route elevations around the city :)

Hotel that I originally booked, The Copthorne, has been taken over by the NHS, and the alternative hotel that was offered was closer to Bolton than the city centre. Booked into the AC Marriott in Salford Quays which is perfect for the start and easily accessible from the city.

Flying over Sat morning and back again Monday evening. Early flight is a bit of a pain but I'll be horizontal as much as I can throughout the day :)

Naked Lepper · 17-07-2021 6:31am

nice one! it will be my third marathon, did dublin in 2018 and 2019

was looking forward to 2020 but cancelled and again this year so figured MCR would be a good bet. also been over for quite a few united games but never for something like this. looking forward to it!

flying sat afternoon and back monday sometime too, Hilton Manchester Piccadilly for me.. its only a few km from the starting line i believe. prob a bit more of a pain to get to than salford one but what can ya do!

have been training fairly solid since around jan and starting to ramp up the weekly distance now. hope to smash dcm 2019 PB but just a shame it wont happen in dublin.

healy1835 · 05-08-2021 7:10am

I see the marathon isn't starting until 10:30am due to the HM being on the same day and kicking off first at 8:30am.

Kander · 05-08-2021 9:57am

I booked the stupidly early flight for the way over to Manchester so the extra sleep is welcomed on race day :)

Glencarraig · 08-08-2021 7:16pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117622920#Comment_117622920

Tram from Piccadilly towards Altringham will leave you 100 yards from Old Trafford cricket ground where the bag drop is.

healy1835 · 09-09-2021 9:51am

Has anyone received the email with their start time yet?

Unknownability · 09-09-2021 12:59pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117866969#Comment_117866969

No, I haven't got mine yet, the original email did say it'd be issued yesterday.

6run28 · 09-09-2021 7:35pm

No email received either. The event guide had pick up details included:

PICK UP International and Lost Packs WHERE: Manchester Central Convention Complex M2 3GX. WHEN: Saturday 9th October 10:00am - 5:00pm. Please bring photo ID with you in order to pick up your event pack.

Unknownability · 09-09-2021 9:34pm

A lot of people giving out on Twitter that they are starting as late as 1 pm. It's annoying when initially it was starting at 9am, I've changed the flight home to the later one to give me more wiggle room.

healy1835 · 10-09-2021 1:59pm

"Hi Jonathan, thanks for getting in touch and we apologise you didn’t receive your email. I can confirm your start access time is 9:35-9:45 and you are in the white wave"

If I'm presuming that the white wave is the first wave off @10:30am that's gonna be quite a bit of hanging around....but whatever! I'll go along gladly with whatever they have in place as long I get to race 😁

Unknownability · 10-09-2021 2:07pm

I tweeted them and got the answer I'm in Red Wave A 10:50 - 11:00.

Next question is what pacers are going with what waves!

healy1835 · 10-09-2021 2:34pm

I presume the HM is the real moneyspinner for them and is the reason they're shoe-horning it in first. But it's a bit of a disaster for runners in the 4hrs+ category who'll be finishing around 5 or 6pm. No craic there at all.

ThebitterLemon · 10-09-2021 4:57pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117872840#Comment_117872840

“Jonathan” 🤣🤣😇

healy1835 · 10-09-2021 5:43pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117873607#Comment_117873607

That's Manchester Marathon and my mother when she's giving out to me who call me that now 😁

Laineyfrecks · 13-09-2021 4:22pm

Just got my reply I'm in Red A - arrival time of 9:50 - 10:00 with hopefully a start time of 10:50😊

Kander · 14-09-2021 10:31am

I reached out to them on twitter for my starting time also. White wave with access from 09:35 to 09;45.

"Once you have arrived we will then call everyone in your wave to the start line where we estimate you will be starting about 25 minutes after you arrive"

Naked Lepper · 18-09-2021 1:01pm

I never got an email from them either

I only land in MCR at 3pm on Saturday and I see that the expo closes at 5pm for picking up race pack... i hope there are no delays!!!

Naked Lepper · 20-09-2021 5:02pm

does anyone know the address to pick up the race pack for international entrants?

it says TBC on the website and i still didnt get my start time etc.

thanks

6run28 · 20-09-2021 6:07pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117916587#Comment_117916587

PICK UP International and Lost Packs WHERE: Manchester Central Convention Complex M2 3GX. WHEN: Saturday 9th October 10:00am - 5:00pm. Please bring photo ID with you in order to pick up your event pack.

Naked Lepper · 20-09-2021 8:15pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117916798#Comment_117916798

thanks, sorry just realised you posted this above. i missed it!

6run28 · 21-09-2021 7:43pm

No problem at all! I had to email them to get my start time - in Red Wave A which is not bad start time considering.

Naked Lepper · 22-09-2021 7:53am

just got an email response . mine didnt specify which wave but said i am in red too which is handy

fingers crossed no delays getting from MCR to convention centre before 5pm

"Arrival time: 10:15am

Start time: 11:05am"

Unknownability · 28-09-2021 10:15am

Anyone starting to get excited about this?

The nerves are starting to kick in, mainly around how the training has gone. Thankfully I've come through the training block unscathed, other than a nasty blister/cut on my heal but this has healed. My hamstring / tendonitis which affected my first marathon has held up well and I'm hoping it doesn't make an appearance during the actual race.

I'm flying out Saturday afternoon and then going straight to pick up my race number, so hoping for no delays or we could be in trouble.

The later start time is a help as it will allow more time in the morning to get everything prepared, the hotel is 5k from the start line.

We are flying back Sunday evening, all going well we should have time for a bite to eat and a few pints before heading off to the airport.

Naked Lepper · 28-09-2021 10:36am

starting to get a bit excited, had some shin splits when training was meant to peak so missed 2-3 weeks and had to build back up quickly

did my 32k run on sunday just gone and now two weeks "taper", ankle issue at the moment but getting better so going to do some work on indoor bike and treadmill this week

i am on ryanair flight that lands at 3pm on sat and need to get to pick up the race pack before 5pm so am in the same boat, taxi from airport is 20min according to maps so it should be fine. i also mailed the mcr crowd and they said it should be fine if delayed so am not stressing about that!

hopefully the weather is in our favour and the training pays off. am quite nervous given the injuries ive been dealing with but just going to go for it and leave nothing behind! not flying back till monday night myself, relax in hotel after race and get some nice food and beers i think!!

Unknownability · 30-09-2021 11:29am

Final route with water & gels stations now released.

The start of the end for me just about to do my final 10 mile run @ marathon pace 😮

Unknownability · 30-09-2021 11:30am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117948975#Comment_117948975

We are on the same flight as you and will be doing the same dash to collect our numbers.

Long range forecast doesn't seem favourable but nothing that can be done about that.

Unknownability · 30-09-2021 4:45pm

"We will be asking all participants in attendance to take a Lateral Flow Test in the 48 hours before the event. You can order yours for free here."

Just got the above from the organisers, first I've heard of that.

How will we get them coming from Ireland?

Very lax, I'm not filled with confidence that they'll have enough Marshall or volunteers as every email is calling out for more.

Naked Lepper · 30-09-2021 6:13pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117958557#Comment_117958557

i am going to get a seat somewhere near the front of the plane on the way over to try and get off quickly after we land. might see u on the flight!

regarding this lateral flow test - i just sent a msg to the marathon insta page asking about this. i checked NHS site and u need to be uk resident to get the test and to enter your results (i went through all the forms to submit results as if i had taken one and they ask if you live in eng, sco, wal or NI only. presume we wont need to take this test

this is the msg i sent on insta

'Hi there, I am international athlete living in Ireland. I got your mail today about ordering a lateral flow test from NHS and also entering result on website. This is only available to UK residents of which I am not one. I have full vaccination cert and can take a lateral flow test on my own accord 24 hours before the event. I will not be able to upload results to NHS. please let me know if this is sufficient. thank you.'

i will let u know once they respond. the last time it took a couple of days to hear back

Naked Lepper · 01-10-2021 8:57am

This is their response:

Good morning. No problem at all. Is not mandatory to do a test, we recommend it to not put anyone in risk. But it does not need to be for the NHS. However, in the UK you can acquire those flow lateral test for free at some pharmacies. Hope this helps :)

healy1835 · 01-10-2021 9:38am

Hello Johnny, Lateral flow tests are free in the UK. You can go to chemistry and ask for one of the packs. Another way is to order a pack from the UK government page and get delivery to you. Eg:https://nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing/regular-rapid-coronavirus-tests-if-you-do-not-have-symptoms/… or https://gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests…

9:12 AM

Also, if you are international, you can use any other type of test. They are not mandatory, but we recommend taking one prior to the event to not put others at risk! :)

9:53 AM

Yeah got this response too. That's grand so 🙂

ThebitterLemon · 01-10-2021 2:54pm

Anyone leaving it late and flying into Manchester, they bus you from the plane to the terminal and there can be delays if you’re unlucky but you can’t just dash off the plane you have no choice but to get on the bus to the terminal

TbL

Unknownability · 01-10-2021 2:58pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117963832#Comment_117963832

Is that with Ryanair & Aer Lingus?

ThebitterLemon · 01-10-2021 4:35pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117963847#Comment_117963847

Any arrival from Ireland irrespective of carrier.

unless they’ve changed it in the last 10 days.

they do it to bypass passport control

TbL

Unknownability · 01-10-2021 5:20pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117964214#Comment_117964214

Thanks very much, that's handy to know.

Naked Lepper · 04-10-2021 2:33pm

what are peoples plans for nutrition ?

i mean in terms of the day before and also morning of and also during event

in two minds about bringing food with me (pre cooked pasta) on the plane on sat night or else trying to get something in hotel or around MCR on the sat night, if anyone has any recommendations of places to eat that would be good, or maybe i could order from deliveroo to the hotel. not sure what to do

prob just get breakfast in hotel, am sure theyll have porridge and bagels there given the weekend thats in it!

i know there are gel stations along the way but i will carry my own in belt, not worth the risk of trying to stop and ending up with some new flavours

Kander · 04-10-2021 3:03pm

I'm bringing my own gels just so I dont have stress about that so close to the event as well. Other than that I'm to hit up a pizza place as my meal before.

It will be google or deliveroo like you said.

Anbocmorrua · 04-10-2021 3:39pm

I'm in too. I'm a bit peeved about the last-minute change of the start time but there's no going back now. This'll be my first run at this distance and I can already feel the stomach tightening. For those of you not UK-resident, NHS lateral flow tests can be picked up for free in many pharmacies.

Naked Lepper · 05-10-2021 4:02pm

got my own gels too and deliveroo of pasta to the room on sat night it is!

the transport strikes on sunday are a pain. it looks like picadilly to old trafford is still operating which is where i need to go but reduced capacity so will add an extra 30 min to my journey to be on the safe side. wonder if they are strict with starting waves if you were a bit early.

Anbocmorrua · 07-10-2021 12:15pm

Transport will be an issue with the strike and all those runners. I plan to leave for the start early and hang around so maybe that late start time will prove to be fortuitous. ITO food could you not smuggle a ready meal or pasta salad onto the plane with you just in case? I'm going to have my own supply of Flavanahan's oats just in case.

Unknownability · 07-10-2021 3:09pm

Weather is looking absolutely perfect for Sunday!

Naked Lepper · 08-10-2021 9:47am

getting close now! all the best to everyone running, looking forward to seeing the reports afterwards

been feeling run down all week and no energy so hopefully today and tomorrow i get a bit of a boost. excited now though!

my first time traveling to do a marathon and only my 3rd attempted after dublin 18 and 19. it will make a change from the usual going straight to the airport bar for pints anyway lols

does anyone know if we need to do anything for locator forms for uk? i don't think you do from ireland but ryanair sent an email and when you click on UK it brings you to locator forms. fairly sure we just need covid cert and passport and thats it!

Naked Lepper · 08-10-2021 10:00am

Manchester industrial action on public transport has been called off

Another little bonus for those traveling on trams this weekend

Unknownability · 10-10-2021 7:00am

The day has finally arrived, best of luck everyone!

I'm #6771 if anyone is following.

Swashbuckler · 10-10-2021 9:52am

Anyone have a link to the tracker? Thought I had it but keeps showing an error.

echancrure · 10-10-2021 9:54am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118000115#Comment_118000115

Same error here: useless.

Swashbuckler · 10-10-2021 9:56am

Feck. Guess I'll just have to wait for Strava updates then!

echancrure · 10-10-2021 10:04am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118000133#Comment_118000133

Even Strava is slow this morning. It is always slow on Sunday mornings because of all the uploads, but my run on is still not up there 20 minutes after having been saved to Garmin Connect.

AuldManKing · 10-10-2021 10:21am

Poxy tracker.

Just hope Healy gets the run his training deserves 🙏

djemba djemba · 10-10-2021 10:23am

https://youtu.be/bK5EmRN8Tw8

Live stream here

MrMacPhisto · 10-10-2021 10:32am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118000244#Comment_118000244

Im watching this too, the fancy shoes make some old clatter on the tarmac all the same! Thankfully the zoomX will be saving the legs from the harsh slaps 🤣

I haven't spotted anybody locally "famous" on the feed yet.

Manchester Marathon Oct 2021

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