A field of 2,300 eager runners took to the streets of Liverpool at the weekend for one of the region’s biggest road races.

The 29 annual 13.1-mile BTR Liverpool Skyline Half Marathon returned on Sunday (27 March), and the event also included the seventh annual BTR Liverpool 10 Mile Road Race.

Runners and spectators were welcomed to the grandstand start and finish line area at Pier Head Liverpool on the city’s world-famous waterfront, under the gaze of the Liver Birds and iconic Three Graces – Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building, and Port Of Liverpool Building.

BTR Liverpool Skyline Half Marathon 2022 was won by Ben Taylor from Pensby Runners in 1 hour 10 minutes 40 seconds. First place female was Chloe Wilkinson in 1 hour 23 minutes 2 seconds.

BTR Liverpool 10 Mile Road Race was won by Stephen Campbell from Knowsley Harriers AC in 52 minutes 23 seconds. First place female was Emily Gray from Liverpool Harriers AC in 1 hour 5 minutes 4 seconds.

Plans are already underway to celebrate the milestone 30 anniversary of Liverpool Half Marathon in 2023.

Next year, the event will grow to span an entire weekend and include 10K, 5K and 1 mile races as part of a brand new festival of running on the banks of the River Mersey. The event date and full details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Race day also marked the official start of organiser BTR Liverpool’s event calendar for 2022. The portfolio features 10 running events throughout the year including the Mersey Tunnel 10K and Liverpool Santa Dash.

The event was rebranded to the BTR Liverpool Skyline Half Marathon in 2020 to celebrate the host destination’s strong tourism offer. The race routes include runners on a tour of famous sights including city landmarks Liverpool Cathedral, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, Sefton Park, and Museum Of Liverpool.

The race included overseas runners taking part in a BTR event since before the Covid-19 pandemic. Runners travelled from Australia, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Isle Of Man, Italy, Jersey, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, and the United States of America.

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 commented:

“After a challenging two years when the pandemic brought all live and public events to a complete standstill – it feels very fresh, exciting and a real privilege to once again return to staging large-scale races. The smiles, electric atmosphere, and real enthusiasm on the day said it all. It’s great to be back. Well done to everyone who took part.

“We had perfect weather conditions, the spectators were brilliant, and a huge thank you to our volunteers who play such a vital role on race day. With its long established history, Liverpool Half Marathon is firmly rooted in the North West race calendar. We cannot wait to announce full details for our 30 anniversary festival of running in 2023 to mark this incredible milestone.”

Fifty-six-year-old Stephen Symons from Quays Running Club in Manchester has completed all 29 Liverpool Half Marathon events.

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 – he is already looking forward to the event’s 30 anniversary next year.

Stephen Symons explained:

“Liverpool is always the first race on my calendar every year – the fabulous atmosphere, camaraderie, and support around the course are all a huge part of the day. Running has been a big part of my life, and in recent years many of us have realised being outdoors and exercising is good for us physically and mentally.

“I am very proud of my achievement of running every Liverpool Half Marathon so far, despite suffering a brain haemorrhage in 2012. The help and support I received during that time was truly amazing, and something I think about a lot. Travelling home after this year’s race it really hit me I’d done 29 years in a row.

“A huge personal thanks must go to BTR Liverpool, I very much appreciate everything that has been done for me personally. I’m looking forward to working together again to make the 2023 event a truly memorable occasion – and I think I’ll need to buy a new cupboard for all the Liverpool Half Marathon T-shirts and medals.”

Volunteer support on the day included Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust; Dockside Runners; GoodGym Liverpool; cadets from 4 Coy Merseyside ACF (Army Cadet Force) from Aigburth, Allerton, and Deysbrook; North West Air Ambulance; and Penny Lane Striders.

Participants included a group of 40 runners from Alive Fitness gym in Crosby. BTR Liverpool is working in partnership with Alive Fitness to offer race participants training advice throughout 2022. Coach and personal trainer Kevin Jones will give runners useful hints and tips to prepare for their future challenges.

Liverpool drumming band Batala Mersey spurred runners on as they started their race, and again when participants ran past Museum Of Liverpool as they headed towards the finish line at the Pier Head.

The Gym at Liverpool ONE once again supported the event, offering runners a free one day pass valid on race day to use the changing facilities.

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