Member Article

Wirral Hosts Second Annual Half Marathon

Over 2,500 runners will descend on Wirral this weekend for the second annual BTR Wirral Half Marathon and 10K.

The event takes place on Sunday, 12 October, with both races starting at 9.30am in Birkenhead Park and finishing in New Brighton.

The course takes all runners along a coastal route past Seacombe Ferry, Egremont Promenade and Fort Perch Rock. The 10K runners will finish on Coastal Drive, while the half marathon runners continue along King’s Parade and the North Wirral Coastal Path to Leasowe Lighthouse, before returning to also finish on Costal Drive. The half marathon course has been slightly revised this year.

The event has attracted entrants from across the region, as well as a number of overseas runners travelling from Norway and Poland to participate.

Last year’s event was shortlisted as Event Of The Year in the Wirral Tourism Awards 2014, a huge coup for the race to be recognised in its inaugural year.

BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell commented:

“We’re looking forward to returning to Wirral for our second Half Marathon and 10K races. The route has been revised and improved, so I’m sure some runners will be relieved that they won’t have to negotiate the beach this time round.

“Wirral really does lend itself to hosting distance running events. The coastline is an ideal backdrop and enhances the overall experience for runners. The range of participants is very diverse – charity runners; those chasing a personal best; and number of mature runners. I’d urge people to come along and support on the day – it gives the runners a much-needed boost.”

Wirral Council Leader Councillor Phil Davies added:

“We are delighted once again to welcome back the BTR Wirral Half Marathon and 10k back to the borough. We wish everyone taking part the best of luck and urge local residents to come out and show their support to the runners as they pass by.

“We have worked hard alongside the organisers, building on the experience of previous events, to keep disruption to people who live along the route to a minimum. They should be reassured that any roads that are closed to accommodate the races will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.”

All finishers will be presented with a commemorative medal, T-shirt and goody bag.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Erica Dillon .