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Countdown is on to North
West's premier road race
THE 2 week countdown is on until
runners from across the world descend on Liverpool to take part in 1 of the City's largest annual sporting events.
More than 5,000 runners will come together on the start line at Pier Head
Liverpool, on Sunday, 2 April 2017, for the Vitality Liverpool Half Marathon 2017.
Described by organisers as the North West's premier road race, the 13.1 mile
challenge attracts runners from across the UK and overseas.
The grandstand start and finish line area on the City's stunning UNESCO World
Heritage Waterfront provides an iconic backdrop to 1 of the region's most
established race events; this is the race's 24th consecutive year.
The race starts at 9am and is part of the national Vitality Run Series; it is
the only event in the series in the North of England. This is Liverpool's third
year of a sponsorship agreement with Vitality.
Vitality Liverpool Half Marathon is organised by BTR Liverpool, the leading
independent organisation for creating, managing and delivering headline race
events across Liverpool City Region.
The BTR event portfolio also includes:- Liverpool Santa Dash; Mersey Tunnel 10K;
Port Sunlight 10K/5K/1K; award winning Wirral Half Marathon/10K; 26 mile Whistle
Stop Tour Of Wirral; and 52 mile Tour Of Merseyside.
BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell commented:-
"The Vitality Liverpool Half Marathon officially kick starts another exciting
year of running for BTR Liverpool. It's the biggest road race in the BTR
portfolio and a real highlight, so we cannot wait to get 2017 off the ground
with the North West's premier road race. 1st introduced to the race calendar in
1994, it still continues to have a strong domestic and international draw 24
years on. Many of our regular runners tell us that this was their very first
half marathon race, so it's great to welcome back familiar faces each year and
see them running alongside newcomers starting out on their running journey.
Entries for the half marathon are still open so come and join us for a fantastic
day. Planning is already well underway for the 2018 event; our milestone 25th
silver anniversary celebration race."
Participants from across the globe are travelling to Liverpool specially to take
part in the Vitality Liverpool Half Marathon, from countries including:- Austria,
Brazil, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Qatar,
Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden and the USA, as well as
those closer to home including the Isle of Man and Ireland.
The Vitality Run Series brings together 8 of the UK's most exciting running
events to provide all runners, irrespective of ability, to take on their next
challenge and be inspired to reach their own personal goals.
Vitality CEO Neville Koopowitz added:-
"With just 2 weeks until the Vitality Liverpool Half Marathon, I want to thank
all those who have registered to run and all those currently working hard to
ensure it will be a fantastic race. It promises to be a great day for runners
and supporters alike."
The race route features some of the City's most iconic landmarks including
Albert Dock Liverpool, the Museum Of Liverpool, Liverpool Cathedral, and Sefton
Park Palm House. A 3 mile home straight along Otterspool Promenade brings
runners back to Pier Head Liverpool to cross the finish line in front of the
magnificent Three Graces; the Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building, and Port
of Liverpool Building; and of course, under the gaze of the Liver Birds.
Hot favourite to take top honours in the half marathon is Liverpool Harrier
Dejene Gezimu, who swept the board of BTR races in 2016. Gezimu took first
place in 2016, narrowly missing out on setting a new course record; so this
time he is back and goes into the race on good form.
Returning for 2017 to continue his unbroken record of taking part in every
Liverpool Half Marathon is Stephen Symons from Manchester. Despite suffering
from a brain haemorrhage in November 2012, Stephen still managed his continuous
run in March 2013 and took part accompanied by family. The 51 year old, who runs
for Manchester YMCA Harriers Club, is back for his 24th successive year.
Last year, a new race was added to the day's
proceedings with the BTR Liverpool 10 Mile Road Race. This race has already sold
out for 2017.
Entries are still open for the half marathon. All finishers receive a bespoke
medal, commemorative T-shirt and goody bag.
Register online at:-
www.btrliverpool.com
Website:-
btrliverpool.com
Facebook Facebook/BTR Liverpool
Twitter @BTRLiverpool
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