BT Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Delivers on Inaugural Liverpool Race
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IT was not only a first for Liverpool, but also a first for England. The race, which was held on Sunday, 25 May 2014, had nearly 7,000 runners from around the world toured the streets of Liverpool for the inaugural BT Rock ‘n’ Roll Liverpool Marathon and the 1/2 Marathon. The first Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon appears to have been a massive success, but what would you expect with live bands and entertainment staged approximately every mile along the 13.1 mile and 26.2 mile courses! Add to this the fact that that the start and finish was on the waterfront, which combines the races with scenic views of the stunning docks, rich architecture, spectacular museums and historic commercial districts all along the course, so is truly an unusual experience for all, competitor, musician, and spectator!

Adding to the mix of fun was the fact that Austin Healey, a former England national rugby union team and the British and Irish Lions rugby player and BT Ambassador, not only started the race, but he also held the finish line tape for the winners and greeted runners into the finish. Additionally, Liverpool City Council Chief Executive, Ged Fitzgerald, participated in the half marathon in full Elvis attire. In addition to local figures, the race partnered with 5 official charities including Cancer Research UK, Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, Everton in the Community and Cash for Kids took part.

Rob Griffiths, race director, said:- "This race demonstrated that Liverpool is a prime destination for a world class running event. More than 500 runners travelled from all around the world including Australia, Brazil and Russia to experience Liverpool’s rich history and culture. We look forward to continuing to grow this race next year and beyond."

The race began at the Albert Dock, one of the most visited attractions in the UK and a World Heritage Site. Live bands and cheering spectators lined both race courses, concluding with a celebratory finish line festival and concert headlined by The Farm  and The Christians, among other acts...

Suzi Williams, BT Group Director, said:- "The inaugural BT Rock ‘n’ Roll Liverpool Marathon was a real success today. Locals and visitors were treated to the many sights of Liverpool along the course, and The Farm performing ‘All Together Now’ to a packed crowd was a real highlight. The sun was shining and Liverpool shone too. All of us at BT are proud that we helped make it happen."

In the marathon, Ben Fish won the men’s race in 2:25:20, nearly 16 minutes before the second place winner. Lucy Collins was the women’s marathon winner, crossing the finish line in 3:06:35. Simon Newton from Ackworth won the half marathon in 1:14:29, while Liverpool’s Emma Palmer won the women’s race in 1:25:46.

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 Europe race destinations in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series include Nice, Madrid, Dublin and Lisbon.

If you took part, do let us know what you thought of this event by emailing us to:- news24@southportreporter.com with your views, thoughts and memories.

Top 5 Winners – BT Rock 'n' Roll Liverpool Marathon and ½ Marathon are as follows:-

Men's Marathon

Place	Name	Age	Finish Time	Hometown	Country
1.	Ben Fish	32	2:25:20	Darwen
2.	Terence Forrest	30	2:41:17	Wakefield
3.	Mark Clarehugh	45	2:43:18	Southport
4.	Alun Myers	27	2:43:34	Linlithgow
5.	Robert Kelly	30	2:46:00	Liverpool

Women's Marathon

Place	Name	Age	Finish Time	Hometown	Country
1.	Lucy Collins	29	3:06:35	Halifax
2.	April Morgan	47	3:15:47	St. Helens
3.	Caroline Linares	35	3:17:49	West Wimbledon
4.	Caroline Hall	44	3:19:24	Wirral
5.	Nardia Alldis	38	3:22:00	Ellesmere Port

Men's Half Marathon

Place	Name	Age	Finish Time	Hometown	Country
1.	Simon Newton	36	1:14:29	Ackworth
2.	Les Ball	48	1:14:52	Lincoln
3.	Michael Thomsen	38	1:16:44	Newcastle
4.	John Stone	27	1:17:00	South Wirral
5.	Philip Walton	33	1:17:42	Wallasey

Women's Half Marathon

Place	Name	Age	Finish Time	Hometown	Country
1.	Emma Palmer	27	1:25:46	Liverpool
2.	Jenny Clague	41	1:26:00	Liverpool
3.	Sharon Samson	35	1:28:44	Liverpool,
4.	Karen Warrendorf	41	1:30:48	Vancouver
5.	Tracey Llewellyn	38	1:30:57	Holyhead

Sorry for the lack of photographs. They have been removed as Southport Reporter does not want to be connected to this photographer who has taken the images that had been used on this page.