Skip to content

Thousands brave rain and wind for half marathon

News imageBTR Liverpool Some women raise their hands in triumph as they cross the finish line.BTR Liverpool
The finish line at the Pier Head brought joy for exhausted runners after a wet and cold event

More than 12,000 runners braved swirling rain and winds to take part in the the BTR Liverpool Half Marathon.

The race started for the first time at Everton's new Hill Dickinson Stadium with participants running past the city's town hall, Chinese arch and Anglian cathedral before finishing at the Pier Head.

More than £23,500 was raised for the event's official charity partner North West Air Ambulance.

Among the runners were Jamie Doolan, from Liverpool, and Stephen Symons from Manchester, who both took part in the first race in 1994 and have not missed a year ever since.

News imageBTR Liverpool Jack Bromley stand in centre with Meehan and Wootton on either side of him raising their hands. The Liver Building looms behind them.BTR Liverpool
Jack Bromley (centre) won the men's event, with David Meehan (left) coming second followed by James Wootton (right)

It has been quite the achievement for Jamie, 55, who, at birth, doctors believed would struggle to walk due to a problem with his legs.

They were later straightened with splints and pins were inserted when he was 21 to strengthen his right ankle.

Sixty-year-old Stephen suffered a brain haemorrhage in 2012 but has since fully recovered and continues to take part each year.

Race founder Alan Rothwell said the event has "always been very special" and numbers have continued to rise "at an unprecedented rate".

News imageStratus Imagery Limited Aerial view shows hundreds of runners waiting beneath the glass frontage of the stadium by the River Mersey.Stratus Imagery Limited
The race began at Everton's new stadium for the first time
News imageStratus Imagery Limited A line of runners race down a road past a Victorian multi-storey brick dockhouse with the city centre and high-rise buildings ahead.Stratus Imagery Limited
The route went past many of Liverpool's landmarks

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.