Member Article

5,000 Runners Take On 22nd Liverpool Half Marathon

More than 5,000 runners took to the city’s streets on Sunday (29 March) for the Vitality Liverpool Half Marathon.

The runners gathered at UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pier Head Liverpool, before setting off on a challenging 13.1-mile scenic course, taking in key Liverpool landmarks along the way.

First staged in 1994, the event has gone on to become the North West’s biggest Half Marathon.

The Vitality Liverpool Half Marathon, organised and delivered by BTR Liverpool, is now part of the Vitality Run Series of eight specially chosen race events across the country. The Liverpool race brings the first year of the Vitality Run Series to a close. This is year one in a three-year sponsorship agreement with Vitality.

The race was won by Paul Martelletti from London in 1:08 (chip time), making this his third win in the Vitality Race Series after also taking honours at Brighton and Bath.

The first female home was Michelle Poulsen from Denmark in 1:21:04 (chip time), setting a new female course record by taking off 1 minute 50 seconds off the previous record set in 2013.

The event had a real international flavour with participants travelling from 15 overseas countries joining runners from across the region and country.

The international runners represented Belgium, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Isle of Man, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and the United States of America – these included almost 100 runners from the Isle of Man, 35 from Ireland, and 20 from Spain.

The headline event attracts a cross-section of runners, from those tackling their very first Half Marathon, charity runners, and those chasing a time.

Forty-nine-year-old Stephen Symons, from Salford, has taken part in every Liverpool Half Marathon since it started in 1994 – with the 2015 event taking his tally to 22 medals. His annual participation in the event was challenged in recent years when he suffered a brain haemorrhage in November 2012. However, with the help of his family, Stephen made it round the course in March 2013 to retain his record. Stephen runs for Manchester YMCA Harriers.

It was also a Hen party with a difference for 28-year-old Kerry Purvis from Runcorn and her team of Hens. A runner with local club Plodders, Kerry and partner Paul marry on Easter Sunday. It’s a busy five weeks for bride-ro-be Kerry, who will also be taking part in the Paris Marathon, Run For The 96 5K, and London Marathon.

The field of 5,029 runners took in key sights along the way, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites the Liverpool Waterfront and Albert Dock, as well as attractions the Museum Of Liverpool, Liverpool Cathedral, Sefton Park Palm House, and Otterspool Promenade.

All finishers were presented with a bespoke medal, commemorative Brooks T-shirt, and a goody bag. The event also had support from Lucozade Sport, Virgin Active, Ocean, Laureus and The Telegraph.

BTR Liverpool is the leading independent organisation for creating, managing and delivering headline race events in Liverpool City Region. Its portfolio of nine other race events includes the Liverpool Santa Dash, Wirral Half Marathon, Mersey Tunnel 10K and Tour Of Merseyside.

BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell commented:

“We welcomed over 5,000 runners who gave their all in challenging weather conditions. They dug deep and there were lots of smiles as they crossed the finish line which is always a real pleasure to see. It’s what our races are all about.

“This was the 22nd Liverpool Half Marathon and it couldn’t have gone any better, we’re absolutely delighted. We are thrilled to have the support of title sponsor Vitality for a further two years, and this will play a vital role in growing and developing the event for future runners.

“Well done to the runners, and a special mention must be made about the volunteers and spectators who all helped to make it such a marvellous day.”

Vitality Run Series CEO, Neville Koopowitz, commented:

“The Vitality Liverpool Half Marathon is the biggest Half Marathon in the North West and we’re delighted to be part of it. Liverpool is such a vibrant city and, after being named the fourth friendliest city in the world, it was certainly evident with the fantastic support from the crowd. It was a fantastic event and we hope it inspired more people to get active.”

The race was the latest event in a year-long joint fundraising partnership between BTR Liverpool and its five official charities. The BTR Footsteps Fundraisers initiative will bring the charities together to benefit financially through BTR’s key race events over a 12-month period by encouraging participants to fundraise and support them.

The five BTR Footsteps Fundraisers official charities are Radio City’s Cash For Kids, Claire House Children’s Hospice, Everton in the Community, Jospice, and Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.

The next race for BTR is the Hale Village 5 Mile event this coming Easter Sunday (5 April).

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