More than 3,000 eager runners will take to the streets of Liverpool this weekend for The BTR Liverpool Skyline Half Marathon.
Taking place on Sunday (27 March), this will be the the 29th annual staging of the 13.1-mile race which also includes the seventh annual BTR Liverpool 10 Mile Road Race.
The races start together at 9am from Pier Head Liverpool on the city’s iconic waterfront. Runners are reminded the clocks go forward one hour the night before the race to mark the start of British Summertime.
Organisers BTR Liverpool continue to implement Covid-19 safety measures, including encouraging runners to take a lateral flow test beforehand. Online entries will close at midnight on Wednesday (23 March).
One of the longest established races in the North West, BTR Liverpool is already making plans for the event’s milestone 30th anniversary next year.
This weekend officially launches the BTR race calendar for 2022, which comprises of 10 running events throughout the year including the Mersey Tunnel 10K and Liverpool Santa Dash.
The 2020 event was rebranded to the BTR Liverpool Skyline Half Marathon, celebrating the host destination’s strong tourism offer. A grandstand start and finish line area at the Pier Head is located alongside the iconic Three Graces – Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building, and Port Of Liverpool Building.
The race routes take in famous sights including city landmarks Liverpool Cathedral, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, Sefton Park, and Museum Of Liverpool.
Liverpool drumming band Batala Mersey will once again return to spur on runners as they cross the start line. Later welcoming them back as they head past Museum Of Liverpool and towards the finish line.
Both race distances boast a number of senior runners from across the region, aged between 70 and 84.
Overseas runners taking part are travelling from Australia, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Isle Of Man, Italy, Jersey, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, and the United States of America.
Fifty-six-year-old Stephen Symons from Quays Running Club in Manchester has completed every Liverpool Half Marathon, this is his 29th consecutive year. Stephen suffered a brain haemorrhage in November 2012, but still completed the next race in March 2013 accompanied by family. He has since fully recovered and continues to take part each year.
Participants include a group of 40 runners from Alive Fitness gym in Crosby. BTR Liverpool has teamed up with Alive Fitness to offer participants training advice throughout 2022. Coach and personal trainer Kevin Jones will give runners useful hints and tips to prepare for their future challenges.
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.
BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell said:
“We are full of excitement, anticipation, and real optimism as we kick-start our 2022 race calendar with one of the longest established races in the region. We’re already working on changing the format of the Liverpool Half Marathon 2023 to celebrate its milestone 30th anniversary year – so watch this space for updates after this year’s race.
“As soon as we set off on the adventure of the BTR Liverpool Skyline Half Marathon this weekend, it’s a non-stop rollercoaster of running, fun and memory-making with like-minded people for the rest of 2022 – as long as we stay safe and look out for each other. Whether you’re running or cheering on friends taking part this Sunday, have a great day.”
Official time pacers will support runners in the half marathon. Volunteer teams assisting on the day include Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Dockside Runners, GoodGym Liverpool, Merseyside Army Cadet Force, North West Air Ambulance, and Penny Lane Striders.
Local running clubs taking part include Knowsley Harriers AC, Liverpool Running Bugs, Liverpool Running Club, Marsh Lane Harriers, Mersey Tri, and Penny Lane Striders.
The Gym at Liverpool ONE is once again supporting the event, offering runners a free one day pass valid on race day to use the changing facilities.
For the latest news visit www.btrliverpool.com
