Leading independent race organiser BTR Liverpool has revealed their packed and thrilling 2024 event schedule, which includes several milestone anniversaries and the return of a beloved event.
Established in 2006, BTR Liverpool creates, organises, and delivers some of the region’s headline running events – including festive spectacular the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash and established road race BTR Liverpool Half Marathon. Both are long-standing, key events in the annual programme.
The 30th anniversary of BTR Liverpool Half Marathon is on 17 March, with the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash celebrating its 20th anniversary on 1 December.
After a few tough years, BTR Liverpool has worked tirelessly to overcome the economic challenges arising through the Covid-19 global pandemic. The team have adapted races and introduced virtual options where possible, which continues to prove popular with regular BTR runners and attract newcomers.
Race entries are once again growing with 2024 already shaping up to be a successful year. Entries are open now for all BTR races – the full calendar and portfolio can be found on the website.
The programme for 2024 includes a number of key milestones. First up is the 30th anniversary of BTR Liverpool Half Marathon which falls on St Patrick’s Day – Sunday 17 March. More than 6,000 runners have already signed up with almost two months still to go to race day.
The celebrations continue with 20th anniversary BTR Liverpool Santa Dash on Sunday 1 December; and 10th anniversary BTR Tour Of Merseyside, a seven-day challenge of six races covering 52 miles starting on Sunday 30 June.
This year also sees the 10th staging of community legacy Run For The 97 5K on Saturday 18 May; followed by a decade of the Port Sunlight Road Race on Sunday 9 June featuring 5K and 10K distances, as well as a 15K dual race.
The portfolio also includes the BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K on Sunday 14 April; and BTR Wirral 10K on Sunday 13 October. And new for 2024 – BTR is bringing back the Women’s 10K Liverpool on Sunday 8 September.
BTR Liverpool is the leading independent organisation for creating, managing, and delivering headline running events across Liverpool City Region. Its extensive portfolio covers various distances across different terrains, all with an ongoing commitment to sustainability.
The portfolio includes events for all ages and abilities – from serious athletes pushing for a PB to families running together for run and everyone between, including many people taking part in their very first organised event.
The man at the helm is Liverpool-born BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell. He began running as a youngster and now race events are his vocation.
BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell explained:
“Last year was positive in that we turned a corner and could see a marked increase in people once again taking part in organised races and fun runs. For some people that’s what really makes them tick. Once you sign up you’re committed to the cause – you have a target, focus, and aim. And a real reason to train and stay fit and healthy.
“The 2024 programme is full of variety. Honest events bursting with heritage, great history, landmarks, an infectious atmosphere; while others are packed with fun, laughter, a real community feeling; and not forgetting plenty of challenges along the way to really test runners.
“First up in the 2024 calendar is the 30th anniversary BTR Liverpool Half Marathon – and it’s a huge testament to the history and standing of the event that we already have more than 6,000 runners signed up. A running party in Liverpool on St Patrick’s Day, with lots of runners visiting from overseas, people enjoying their post race celebrations – it’s going to be incredible.
“We’re busy planning across all the events and cannot wait for them to start in March, and then it’s non-stop right through to the end of the year. Come and experience a BTR event for yourself – creating special memories of running, fundraising, and ultimately all coming together with one goal and that is to achieve great things. It’s going to be a very special 2024 and we look forward to sharing this joy throughout the year.”
The BTR Liverpool event calendar for 2024 is outlined below, online registration is open for all events.
BTR Liverpool Half Marathon / 10 Mile Road Race
Sunday 17 March 2024 – Pier Head Liverpool
First staged in 1994, this is one of the longest established races in the region and a highlight in the North West race calendar. This is the 30th anniversary of this popular race.
The 13.1-mile route starts and finishes at Pier Head Liverpool, winding its way through the city, taking in landmarks including Liverpool Cathedral, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, and Museum Of Liverpool. A grandstand finish on the world-famous waterfront comes under the gaze of the iconic Liver Birds – what backdrop to be presented with a finishers’ medal.
The event also includes the ninth BTR Liverpool 10 Mile Road Race.
BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K
Sunday 14 April 2024 – Liverpool and New Brighton
Runners take on an unusual challenge with the 18th BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K.
The race is the only time throughout the year when people can make their way through the Kingsway Tunnel on foot and run under the River Mersey – making it one of the most unique running events in the country.
After emerging on the Wirral, runners continue along Seacombe Promenade to Fort Perch Rock and the Marine Lake, before finishing at New Brighton’s Marine Point with views overlooking the River Mersey.
Runners particularly enjoy the lively atmosphere when running through the tunnel to make it a memorable day.
Run For The 97 5K / 1 Mile
Saturday 18 May 2024 – Stanley Park, Liverpool
Run For The 97 was first staged in 2015 as a positive, inclusive event to celebrate and honour the lives of the 97 Liverpool Football Club fans who lost their lives at Hillsborough on 15 April 1989.
It also remembers the families of The 97 and the survivors, who have since tirelessly fought for justice with the utmost dignity. They continue to campaign for a Hillsborough Law.
The fun run is accessible and open to all – walk, jog, or run. Participants are invited to fundraise for three beneficiary charities – Jamie Carragher’s 23 Foundation, LFC Foundation, and Stanley Park junior parkrun.
Port Sunlight Road Race 10K / 5K / 1K
Sunday 9 June 2024 – Port Sunlight Village, Wirral
Port Sunlight Village is the picturesque and historical backdrop for a fantastic Summer race day. This year’s event marks the 10th staging. BTR Liverpool organise the event in conjunction with Port Sunlight Village Trust (PSVT).
The races start and finish at the village green and include 5K and 10K distances, and a 1K fun run for youngsters aged 12 and under.
The 5K route takes runners along the tree-lined boulevards and perfectly manicured gardens of the historic village. The 10K follows two laps, and there is also a dual race option for runners who complete 15K and collect three medals.
BTR Tour Of Merseyside (52 miles)
Sunday 30 June to Saturday 6 July 2024 – Liverpool, Thurstaston, Walton, Otterspool, Stadt Moers in Knowsley, Wirral Coastal Path
The ‘Tour’ has become a firm favourite since it was launched in 2013 – a week-long challenge in a bid to become a Tourist.
Six races of varying distances are staged across seven days, covering 52 miles of road, beach, and cross country touring various areas of Merseyside.
The half-way point of the week is now classed as (optional) fancy dress, where literally anything goes!
The coveted ‘Tourist’ medal is awarded on the final day upon completion of all races and 52 miles – the final race is 12 miles. A party rounds off the week for Tourists to celebrate their achievements.
BTR Women’s 10K Liverpool
Sunday 8 September 2024 – Sefton Park, Liverpool
This year BTR is bringing back a historically very popular female-only race after some considerable time.
The BTR Women’s 10K Liverpool takes place in Sefton Park, a stunning backdrop which lends itself well to the race.
The location was also the original home to the event when the race was at its peak in the 1980s and early 1990s, until there was a big shift in the wider race event market.
Women’s only races are returning with events in Scotland leading the way.
Entries for Liverpool are open and feedback already very positive about this new addition to the portfolio.
BTR Wirral 10K
Sunday 13 October 2024 – New Brighton, Wirral
The out-and-back event returned in October 2023 after a break of two years – and now it’s back again for 2024.
The return brought with it a new start and finish line on Ian Fraser Walk in New Brighton – which is retained for this year’s event.
The route heads past Fort Perch Rock and along the picturesque promenade to Seacombe Ferry, before reaching the half-way 5K turnaround point and returning – with captivating views along the way.
The race is fast and flat – and perfect for runners chasing a personal best time. But equally good for those attempting their first 10K race.
BTR Liverpool Santa Dash 5K / 1K Mini Dash
Sunday 1 December 2024 – Pier Head Liverpool, Liverpool City Centre
This festive spectacular was created by BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell. First staged in 2004, it’s highly regarded as the city’s kick-start to Christmas.
Last year a staggering 6,100 red, blue, and mini Santas took part – it is thought to be the UK’s biggest festive 5K fun run.
Walk, jog, or run alongside wheelchair participants, charities, families, friends, colleagues – not forgetting baby Santas in prams and four-legged furry Santas.
Santas dash from Pier Head Liverpool, through Grade I Listed Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, round the city centre, before finishing outside Liverpool Town Hall with festive stilt-walking characters and ‘real’ snow.
To find out more about BTR events visit the website and follow BTR on social media for the latest updates.
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