Independent race event organiser BTR Liverpool is getting on its marks to welcome 12,000 runners to the city this weekend for its biggest ever race.
The 31st anniversary of the BTR Liverpool Half Marathon takes place this Sunday (23 March), alongside the 10th consecutive 10 Mile Road Race.
The half marathon sold out eight weeks ago at 11,500 places, following the 10-miler which sold out early January at 500 places.
Both races start at 9am from Pier Head Liverpool with a combined start line figure of 12,000 participants. An unprecedented jump in race registrations.
This year’s number of entries are a significant jump from 9,000 in 2024, when the event sold out with three weeks to go. The turn-out was the largest number of entries since 2013.
The headline race is organised and delivered by leading independent running event organiser BTR Liverpool, who offer a full portfolio throughout the year of race and fun run events catering for all ages and abilities.
This year’s event has attracted the largest number of participants in its history – and the biggest start line entry figure for any BTR Liverpool event.
The 13.1-mile half marathon route starts and finishes at Pier Head Liverpool, winding its way through the city and onto Sefton Park, taking in the sights of Liverpool Cathedral, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, and Museum Of Liverpool. The 10-mile runners follow the same route but turn back earlier at Sefton Park for the reduced mileage.
All participants then return along Otterspool Prom to Pier Head Liverpool for a grandstand finish on the world-famous waterfront under the gaze of the iconic Liver Birds and landmarks Three Graces – the perfect backdrop to complete the race and be presented with a commemorative finishers’ medal.
North West Air Ambulance is the event’s Official Charity Partner, Vimto Energy Zero is Official Drinks Partner. Barry’s Liverpool is Official Training Partner for BTR events in 2025.
Since its launch in 1999, North West Air Ambulance has been called to more than 45,000 missions – an average of around seven times a day.
Georgia Addy was knocked down by a van on her way home from school in Burscough nine years ago. Her life was saved by North West Air Ambulance. She is officially starting the race before running in the half marathon.
Georgia will be joined on stage by the Lord Mayor Of Liverpool, Councillor Richard Kemp and Lady Mayoress Erica Kemp.
North West Air Ambulance relies solely on fundraising and donations to save lives – and it must raise over £18million every year to continue its vital service. The team will be attending the race with charity runners and volunteers. To support the work of the NWAA by fundraising or donating visit the JustGiving page here.
Vimto is involved with the event for the first time. With its headquarters in Newton-le-Willows, the partnership will see two North West icons coming together for this event highlight.
Runners will sample Vimto Energy Zero on event day when collecting their post-race goodies. The household brand will also have a team of Vimto Runners taking part in the two races, as well as a volunteer team.
Barry’s Liverpool is the Official Training Partner for BTR events in 2025. The boutique fitness studio is located on the 5th floor of stylish department store Flannels in Liverpool city centre. Barry’s is home to the world’s original strength and cardio interval training workout.
This partnership is supporting participants to improve fitness, speed, and performance in classes and through running tips shared online. A team of runners will represent Barry’s Liverpool.
Two ever present runners who have already completed all previous 31 Liverpool Half Marathon events are returning once again to maintain their impressive record. They are Jamie Doolan from Liverpool and Stephen Symons from Manchester.
Jamie is a 54-year-old nurse from Broadgreen. He has completed more than 30 marathons – no mean feat after being told he would struggle to walk due to a problem with his legs at birth. He went on to have them straightened with splints, then aged 21 had pins inserted to strengthen his right ankle.
Fifty-nine-year-old Stephen runs for Quays Running Club in Manchester. Despite suffering a brain haemorrhage in November 2012, he still completed the next half marathon race in March 2013 accompanied by family. He has since fully recovered and continues to take part each year.
Established in 1994, the Liverpool Half Marathon is highly regarded as one of the longest established premier road races in the region, and a real highlight in the North West race calendar.
The BTR Liverpool Half Marathon has firmly established itself in the city’s events calendar, with the event massively boosting the city’s economy on event day including hospitality venues and hotels.
The race also attracts participants from across the country and globally, with runners this year travelling from countries including Argentina, Channel Islands, Chile, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Jersey, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States of America.
Liverpool drumming band Batala Mersey will return to give runners a loud send-off as they cross the start line, before later spurring them along the home straight to cross the finish line.
BTR Liverpool is also supporting eight charities spanning the 2025 event portfolio – Alder Hey Children’s Charity; Claire House Children’s Hospice; Clatterbridge Cancer Charity; Liverpool Women’s Hospital Charity; Mersey Cares; North West Air Ambulance; Wirral University Teaching Hospital; and Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice. The charities will be represented on the day by runners and volunteer teams.
A large number of running and athletics clubs from across the region also participate, proudly pulling on their club vests. This year the most represented are 2 Step Collective, Birkenhead Park Running Club, Kirkby Milers AC, Knowsley Harriers AC, Marsh Lane Harriers, North Endurance, Penny Lane Striders, and Widnes RC.
Families and supporters of two children killed in last year’s tragic Southport attack are taking part in the half marathon.
The parents of Elsie Stancombe, Jenni and David, are taking part along with a group of over 60 fundraisers for Elsie’s Story. The family of Alice Aguiar are also taking part, including Dad Sérgio, to raise funds for a new playground at her school in Churchtown.
A team of almost 180 runners from New Balance are pulling on their trainers, as well as a group of 20 from Everton Football Club.
BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell commented:
“Starting event season for 2025 with the biggest Liverpool Half Marathon the city has ever seen, and our greatest BTR race in terms of race entries is going to be quite something. And it’s encouraging to be working with event partners North West Air Ambulance, Vimto, and Barry’s Liverpool to take the event to the next level.
“Demand for places has been unprecedented, which is testament to how much participants value the event. It is one of the longest established half marathon events in the region, and a real highlight in the North West and national race calendar. The grandstand start and finish area on the iconic Liverpool waterfront speaks for itself. It’s magical, especially when packed with thousands of eager runners.
“Finally, a huge thank you from Team BTR to every runner, volunteer, and spectator joining us on race day. By working together, we can make sure everyone has a great experience. Support your fellow runners. Thank the volunteers. Every runner needs that extra loud cheer to keep them going, especially over half marathon and 10-mile distances. Good luck everyone – and we cannot wait to see 12,000 runners on the start line, it’s going to be incredible.”
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.
Alongside headline events BTR Liverpool Half Marathon and BTR Liverpool Santa Dash, the portfolio also includes BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K; Port Sunlight Road Race 10K and 5K, BTR Tour Of Merseyside 52-mile six-race challenge, BTR Women’s 10K and 5K Liverpool, BTR Wirral 10K, and Run For The 97.
Entries for all races throughout 2025 are now open on the website.
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