Runners celebrate Liverpool Half Marathon success and look ahead to the 2026 race

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THE streets of Liverpool were home to a powerful show of community spirit on:- 29 March 2026, as the City's iconic Half Marathon and 10 Mile Road Race kicked off the running season in spectacular style.

Thousands took part in the much loved event, 1 of the North West's longest established road races, coming together to challenge themselves while supporting vital causes.

This year, the North West Air Ambulance Charity (NWAA) was proud to be the headline Charity Partner, with more than 150 dedicated runners raising an incredible �25,000 to help keep the charity's lifesaving service flying.

Every runner has a personal reason for supporting the charity and its lifesaving work. Runners included:- Mum of two, Sarah Rattray from Aintree, who works in the charity's supporter engagement team.

Sarah said:- "I started my running journey by completing the NHS Couch to 5K programme at the end of 2024. At the beginning, I struggled to complete the 60 second runs, so completing a half marathon was a massive achievement for me. I ran the Liverpool Half Marathon to support the North West Air Ambulance Charity because their crews save lives every single day across our Region. They bring advanced emergency care directly to people when every second counts, often in the most critical situations. The charity receives no Government funding for its daily operations, which means it relies entirely on donations. By running this half-marathon, I helped to raise money to help keep their helicopters flying and their specialist teams responding when people need them most."

Alex Livesey, from Hesketh Bank, also ran for NWAA. He gained a personal best at the half-marathon distance. Alex said:- "I tried to do 3 runs per week, a fast short run, a slow zone 2 run, and always a long weekend run at the pace I wanted to run on the day. I knew about NWAA but did not realise they receive no Government funding. When I heard this, I knew I had to try to help if I could, because you never know if 1 of your family members or loved ones might ever need the lifesaving service. I did a lot of my fundraising through social media. I tried to make different videos for my training runs to engage people, giving a weekly update to everyone on how we were doing with the fundraising and how close we were to the target. I think just being consistent with this helped me reach a lot of people and always tagging NWAA, as well as family and loved ones, helping out."

Jackie Marsh, from Southport, also took part in the half marathon in aid of NWAA; her husband Jonathon was also running but had to pull out due to an injury. She said:- "I'm delighted to have completed the run and very proud to have run it for NWAA. As a previous patient, I will forever be so very thankful to them for saving my life! And also, for everyone else who they've looked out for."

Following another successful race, the charity is now encouraging supporters to look ahead to next year's event and consider joining Team NWAA.

Whether you are running your 1st race or aiming for a new personal best, the Liverpool Half Marathon and 10 Miler offer an opportunity to be part of 1 of the North West's most popular running events while helping the North West Air Ambulance Charity.

Although the race date is TBC (either:- 14 March 2027 or 21 March 2027), registration is now open for charity places. Every bit of support helps keep the crews ready to save lives.

To get involved in 2027 please visit:- NWAirAmbulance.Org.UK.

From a new ride at Adventure Coast to a spectacular night of magic and music with Cristal Palace Southport offers tourists 10 eggstraordinary events Easter

PEOPLE across Southport are gearing up for the Easter break and alongside chocolate treats, the Region has again stepped up to the plate with so many fantastic family friendly things to do over the period. If you're looking for something egg citing for yourself, your partner, friends or the entire family, check out these gems, with everything from a breathtaking 12 metre wide chandelier stage to a show stopping new attraction at Adventure Coast to even the chance to meet a:- BBC Antiques Roadshow star.

Here, Visit Southport unveils 10 of the best events in our seaside Town to get stuck into this Easter�

1. Step into a world of movement, music and magic with Cristal Palace... A spectacular outdoor event which will prove to be fun for all the family, as Cristal Palace puts on a special dance event from the internationally acclaimed French theatre company, Transe Express, on:- Good Friday, and Easter Saturday. From 7.30pm, until:- 9pm on both days, transport yourselves, friends and loved ones to a breathtaking 12 metre wide chandelier stage and enjoy live music, aerial performance and visual theatre. Organisers promise the event will offer a:- "dramatic, immersive experience unlike anything Southport has hosted before." More than 30 performers from:- Southport and the Liverpool City Region; including:- 20 young dancers from local dance Schools; will perform a specially choreographed routine by Liverpool based Choreographer, Grace Goulding. No booking or ticket required. And it's free! Read more:- VisitSouthport.Com.

2. Show stopping new attraction at Adventure Coast Southport; and FREE entry is back! Popular seaside theme park Adventure Coast Southport has a HUGE announcement; its FREE entry is back for the 2026 season and includes:- the Easter break. The venue will throw open its doors once again from:- Saturday, 28 March, at:- 11am and visitors can come in with no fee, enjoying a flexible pay as you go system for the rides, starting at just:- �1. And there's even a NEW attraction; visible across the Southport coastline; and it's guaranteed to be a HUGE hit. You won't want to miss it! As well as the attractions, families can enjoy the gardens, which feature a waterfall and place to relax, and new street food additions such as loaded style fries and barista style coffee. Visitors are encouraged:- to bring their own picnics if they prefer, dogs (as the venue is dog friendly), and to make use of the on-site car parking facilities. Read more:- AdventureCoastSouthport.Co.UK.

3. Hire a flamingo boat on 1 of the UK's largest man made lakes... Hire a special swan or flamingo boat this Easter break and with 2 sets of pedals let the adults steer your family around the Marine Lake, taking in the breathtaking views and picturesque scenery. Alternatively, hire a motorboat and take in the beautiful views of the south end of the lake for just:- �23. Each ride lasts:- 25 minutes, and 2 adults and up to 4 children can ride. It's even dog friendly too! Or, if it's adrenaline you're after, hire a jet where your driver will take you on a special tour around the lake, involving plenty of:- "twists and turns." Read more:- SouthportMarineLake.Com.

4. Legendary folklore Robin Hood comes to The Atkinson in a special post Easter panto... Promising dazzling dance routines, sing along tunes, laugh out loud comedy, and plenty of audience participation, legendary folklore Robin Hood comes to The Atkinson theatre for a special post Easter Pantomime. There are 2 performances on:- Saturday, 18 April 2026, at:- 1pm and 5pm, and a family ticket of 4 (minimum 1 adult) comes in at:- �76. Read more:- TheAtkinson.Co.UK.

5. BBC Antiques Roadshow star Mark Smith gives talk on the Victoria Cross... Adults can enjoy a meet and greet session with:- BBC Antiques Roadshow expert and star, Mark Smith, at The Atkinson. Mark will explore the Victoria Cross's origins, debunk myths, and share the incredible stories of bravery in a presentation named:- For Valour: The Story of the Victoria Cross. Tickets and more:- TheAtkinson.Co.UK.

6. Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit comes to Formby Hall Golf Resort this Easter... Formby Hall Golf Resort is putting on a special 2 course roast lunch on Easter Sunday, with an opportunity for your little ones to meet Peter Rabbit and friends as part of interactive entertainment. Each child will get a special chocolate Easter gift to take home.The event promises great food, live character appearances and all round smiles. Booking is recommended. Tickets are:- �29 for adults and �20 per child. Find out more:- FormbyHallGolfResort.Co.UK.

7. Sefton Open 2026 set to crown borough's best artwork; see what's in the running... The Sefton Open is inviting local artists to take part in an annual exhibition celebrating the borough's artistic talent and creativity. Film, sculpture, craft, paintings, prints and textiles are all welcome; and visitors can purchase catalogues. The exhibition starts on:- Saturday, 28 March and runs to:- Saturday, 30 May 2026. Those attending are encouraged:- to vote for their favourite artwork on display who will scoop the People's Prize. Entry is free. Read more:- TheAtkinson.Co.UK.

8. Football fans can test their own skills at the newly-opened Footy Nation at the Ocean Plaza... Step into an immersive football-themed environment, where you can test your skills, have a kickabout with friends or take a go on the football arcade games. Footy Nation at the Ocean Plaza opened on Saturday, and it's inviting football enthusiasts to come and play. It doesn't matter whether you're just a casual kicker or a future pro, there is something for everyone. Bring your A game and let the competition begin! To book and to read more:- FootyNation.Com.

9. FREE arts and crafts workshop at The Atkinson... A FREE arts and crafts workshop, where all materials supplied, is going to prove to be fun for all the family. Two sessions are being held on:- Thursday, 2 April and Thursday, 9 April 2026; from:- 1pm until 3pm, at:- The Atkinson. Drop in and get creative! Read more about the:- 2 April, event:- TheAtkinson.Co.UK. Read more about the:- 9 April event:- TheAtkinson.Co.UK.

10. Picture book character brought to life in new immersive experience... The character from Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie's new picture book, Gozzle, is being brought to life for 2 months as part of a new immersive experience. Starting on:- 20 March and running until:- 31 May 2026, families can enjoy:- 'a season of 1sts' with outdoor adventure trails, interactive Vet Check stations, storytelling sessions and more at the WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre. Tickets can be bought online; prices vary. Read more:- WWT.Org.UK.

Details on accommodation, days out and events in Southport can be found at:- VisitSouthport.Com.

What are your thoughts on this news topic? Email our Newsroom at:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com or send us a message on:- Mastodon, Facebook, or Twitter. Please do let us know as we love to hear your views....

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Runners celebrate Liverpool Half Marathon success and look ahead to the 2026 race

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From a new ride at Adventure Coast to a spectacular night of magic and music with Cristal Palace Southport offers tourists 10 eggstraordinary events Easter