On Sunday, 25 May, the city will welcome more than 8,000 runners for the inaugural BT Liverpool Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon & 1/2 Marathon. The race is attracting many foreign runners, with participants traveling from 34 countries.
Great Britain, United States, Ireland, France and Germany are the top five countries represented at the event, but nearly 500 runners are traveling from all around the world including Australia, Brazil and Russia. Locally, participants are coming from all four corners of the UK, with a strong contingent of runners from London. Only 22% of runners are from Liverpool. Also, the field of participants is comprised of 55% men and 45% women, with 28% running their first marathon or half marathon.
Josh Furlow, executive vice president of Competitor Group, organisers of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, said: “Liverpool is rich in history and culture. It’s a destination many people want to travel to, making it an ideal location to host a marathon and half marathon. Participants will not only be able to tour the city as they run along the course, but also enjoy Liverpool’s strong musical influences throughout race weekend. We anticipate many people will also take the opportunity to extend their trip for the race and explore other amazing attractions around England.”
Suzi Williams, Director BT Group Marketing and Brand, said: “At BT, we understand Liverpool’s two great passions – sport and music – and the BT Rock ‘n’ Roll Liverpool Marathon is the ideal way to celebrate both. It’s set to be a fantastic day for locals and visitors alike, whether they’re competing or just soaking up the great atmosphere across the city.”
Both the marathon and half-marathon courses will start and finish along the waterfront, featuring scenic views of the stunning docks, rich architecture, spectacular museums and historic commercial districts along the course. The race will begin at the Albert Dock, one of the most visited attractions in the UK and a World Heritage Site, and will pass through the celebrated Cavern Quarter, where The Beatles rose to prominence in the 1960s. Live bands and cheering spectators will line both race courses, concluding with a celebratory finish line festival and headlining concert by The Farm and The Christians, among other acts.
BT Rock ‘n’ Roll Liverpool is the first road race for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series in England, the location of its European office. The Liverpool race is part of an international series of entertainment-themed marathons and half-marathons that revolutionized the running industry in 1998 by infusing the race course with live bands, cheer teams and entertaining water stations. Other European race destinations in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series include Nice, Madrid, Dublin and Lisbon.
For more information or to register for the race, please visit RockEurope.com.
