BTR Liverpool has launched a new recruitment drive encouraging people to become race day volunteers at some of the Liverpool City Region’s biggest running events.

The race organiser is building a new bank of volunteers, known as ‘Eventeers’, to support its annual programme of competitive races and fun runs.

Volunteers are currently being sought for the next three events in the BTR Liverpool calendar – the Wirral 10K on Sunday 11 October, Liverpool Santa Dash on Sunday 6 December and Liverpool Half Marathon on Sunday 14 March 2027.

A wide range of roles are available on event days, including helping at baggage stores and race offices, marshalling routes, staffing drink stations, presenting finisher medals and handing out goody bags.

BTR Liverpool says its volunteers play an instrumental role in ensuring events run smoothly, while also helping create the atmosphere experienced by runners around each course.

Eventeers come from a variety of backgrounds, including runners who want to experience events from a different perspective, running clubs staffing water stations and charities creating cheer stations along routes.

Businesses and other organisations can also get involved as groups and support events together.

Among BTR Liverpool’s regular volunteers is Crosby resident Rita Jenkins, a former keen runner who had to stop racing because of injury.

Rita now helps out wherever she can and has even taken part in a go-kart dressed as Santa to promote the Liverpool Santa Dash. Her favourite role is presenting runners with their medals as they cross the finish line.

Rita said:

“I cannot race any more due to injury, but I still want to be involved on race day and not just as a spectator. It makes me happy to encourage runners and see their happiness when crossing the finish line, congratulating them and presenting them with their well-earned medal. I love being there, it’s so rewarding.

“I would really encourage others to volunteer. It’s a great experience and you make lots of friends. You get to know the runners and your fellow volunteers, and it’s always nice to see them at other events.

“It’s really satisfying, especially when the runners really appreciate you giving up your time.”

BTR Liverpool has also introduced additional benefits as part of its Eventeer recruitment campaign.

Anyone volunteering at an event can claim free entry to a BTR event, while volunteers will also receive a race day goody bag and access to runner discounts.

Eventeers will have opportunities to win prizes from event sponsors and partners including Applied Nutrition, Erdinger, Shokz and Up & Running, alongside vouchers for restaurants and entertainment.

Groups bringing 10 or more volunteers to an event can also benefit, with BTR Liverpool making a £100 donation to their club, organisation or chosen charity.

BTR founder Alan Rothwell said:

“Running is a real community and volunteers are the backbone of every BTR Liverpool event. We’re so grateful when people give up their time, they get fully involved and we always want them to feel valued.

“We’re excited to announce this new ‘Eventeer’ recruitment drive with added benefits.

“We are very fortunate to welcome some volunteers regularly, they get to know the runners and this gives a real personal touch on race day. Runners unable to take part or are injured also help. Others simply want to be part of the day. They want to give something back and make race day a very positive experience.

“The next three events are all completely different – a short fast race, an iconic festive family fun run, and a large-scale competitive race. Each event attracts a completely different group of runners.

“If you’ve never been to a BTR event, join us as a volunteer on a race day and experience it for yourself.”

BTR Liverpool’s wider event portfolio includes the Liverpool Half Marathon, Liverpool Santa Dash, Mersey Tunnel 10K, Port Sunlight Road Race 10K and 5K, Women’s 10K and 5K Liverpool, Wirral 10K and Run For The 97.

The organisation and its event portfolio were acquired by Run For All in 2025. The mass participation events company is wholly owned by the Jane Tomlinson Appeal and continues to honour the legacy of its founder.

Anyone interested in becoming an Eventeer can register through the BTR Liverpool volunteer page.

Further information about upcoming races is available from the BTR Liverpool website.