The 28th annual BTR Liverpool Skyline Half Marathon returns this weekend with more than 1,500 runners pulling on their running shoes to take part.
The 13.1-mile race is on Sunday 12 September, starting at 9am from the iconic waterfront setting of Pier Head Liverpool. There is also a 10-mile race option, which is being staged for the sixth time. Final entries for both races are available online at www.btrliverpool.com
There is a grandstand start and finish line area under the gaze of the Liver Birds and the iconic Three Graces – Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building, and Port Of Liverpool Building. There is a slight change to the start of the race to accommodate ongoing roadworks on The Strand.
Last year’s event was rebranded to the BTR Liverpool Skyline Half Marathon to celebrate the host destination’s strong tourism offer. The race routes take in the city’s famous sights including landmarks Liverpool Cathedral, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, Sefton Park, and Museum Of Liverpool.
All BTR races are organised and delivered in accordance with Covid guidelines.
Organisers BTR Liverpool have put a series of safety measures in place for race day, and are encouraging runners to take a Covid-19 lateral flow test in the days leading up to the event. Anyone displaying symptoms or testing negative is urged not to attend.
On the day, runners will not be handed items to minimise personal contact so they will pick up their own water, medals and T-shirts from tables. Runners and spectators are also being asked not to gather after the race – and maintain social distancing where possible.
BTR Liverpool is the leading independent organisation for creating, managing and delivering headline race events across Liverpool City Region. The half marathon marks the return of BTR races for 2021, which also includes the BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K on 26 September, Wirral 10 Mile and 10K on 31 October, and the Appreciate Group Liverpool Santa Dash on 5 December.
BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell commented:
“We’re extremely excited to welcome runners back to BTR races. It’s been a long time coming, and we cannot wait to see runners cross the start line this coming Sunday. And I’m sure there will be a lot of smiling faces when they complete their 10 or 13.1 miles and collect their well-earned medal under the gaze of the Liver Birds.
“We’re encouraging everyone taking part and spectating to stay vigilant. Covid-19 is still here, so we all need to remain careful to look after ourselves and each other. Hands face space race – and let’s make a return to races a positive experience all round.”
Fifty-five-year-old Stephen Symons from Manchester returns to continue his unbeaten run of taking part in every Liverpool half marathon – making this his 28th consecutive year. Stephen suffered a brain haemorrhage in November 2012, but still completed the next race in March 2013 accompanied by family.
Southport runner Paul Warrington, 45, is attempting to break a Guinness World Record as the fastest half marathon runner dressed in full hockey goalkeeper kit. He must wear a helmet, chest protector, elbow protectors, hard pads on both legs, padded shorts, leg guards, hand pads and shoe pads. The kit weighs 12lbs, and that’s before he adds standard running kit or his water hydration pack.
Paul, who lives in Birkdale and runs for Southport & Waterloo Athletics Club, is using the record attempt as his motivation to fundraise for Cancer Research UK. His father-in-law was diagnosed with lymphoma in Summer 2020, and after six months of chemotherapy is now in recovery. Paul has already raised more than £1,000, his donation page is https://bit.ly/3zpMWJE
As travelling restrictions continue to ease, overseas runners are making the trip from Belgium, Denmark, and Germany to take part.
A group of 30 from Alive Fitness gym in Crosby are taking part. While local running clubs represented include BTR Road Runners, Kirkby Milers AC, Liverpool Running Club, Marsh Lane Harriers, and Penny Lane Striders.
Liverpool drumming band Batala Mersey will be near Museum Of Liverpool to spur runners along the final home straight and towards the finish line.
The Gym at Liverpool ONE is supporting the race by offering participants a free one day pass on race day to use the facilities.
Find out more about BTR races by visiting www.btrliverpool.com
