Thousands brave tough
weather conditions for the 22nd Liverpool Half Marathon
Photographs with thanks to Paul Francis Cooper.
MORE than 5,000 runners took to the
City's streets on Sunday, 29 March 2015, 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. 1st 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 1st year of the Vitality Run
Series to a close. This is year 1 in a 3 year sponsorship agreement with
Vitality.
The race was won by Paul Martelletti from London in 1:08 (chip time), making this his 3rd win in the Vitality Race Series after also taking honours at Brighton and Bath.
The 1st 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 1st Half Marathon, charity runners, and those chasing a time.
49 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 9
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 4th 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 5 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. More details can be found
online.
The next race for BTR is the Hale Village 5 Mile event this coming Easter
Sunday, 5 April 2015, find out more at:-
BTRLiverpool.com.
Results:-
First 3 Male Finishers (chip times)
► Paul Martelletti - Run Fast - 1:08:00.
► Tom Charles - Trafford AC - 1:10:01.
► James Toohey - Liverpool Running Club - 1:11:23.
First 3 Female Finishers
► Michelle Poulsen - Sparta Copenhagen Denmark - 1:21:04.
► Charlotte Mason - City Of Yoke AC - 1:22:20.
► Alex O'Brien - Liverpool Running Club - 1:22:31.
BTR Liverpool confirmed events still to be held in 2015:-
► 5 April - BTR Hale Village 5 Mile.
► 19 April - Run For The 96 5K.
► 7 June - BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K.
► 28 June - BTR Kids' 1K/2K/3K Race Series.
► 5 July to 11 July - BTR Tour Of Merseyside (52 miles).
► 11 September to 13 September - BTR Whistle Stop Tour Of Wirral.
► 13 September - BTR Wirral Half Marathon/10K.
► 6 December - BTR Liverpool Santa Dash.
