THOUSANDS of runners will be taking part in the BTR Liverpool Half Marathon this Sunday (March 17).

9,000 runners have registered to take part in the 30th anniversary Half Marathon and ninth staging of the BTR Liverpool 10 Mile Road Race.

Entries closed three weeks ahead of race day – a first for the event. It’s the highest number of registrations since 2013, and is more than double last year’s numbers.

The event also includes the ninth BTR Liverpool 10 Mile Road Race. 8,400 are signed up for the half marathon, with a further 600 taking on the 10-mile race.

Both races start at 9am from Pier Head Liverpool on the city’s waterfront alongside the Three Graces – Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building, and Port Of Liverpool Building.

The 13.1-mile route takes runners through the city and onto Sefton Park, taking in sights along the way including Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, Liverpool Cathedral, and Museum Of Liverpool.

They then return to Pier Head Liverpool for a grandstand finish line under the gaze of the city’s  Liver Birds.

Charity partners include Alder Hey Children’s Charity; Claire House Children’s Hospice; Clatterbridge Cancer Charity; Liverpool Women’s Hospital Charity; Mersey Cares; North West Air Ambulance; Wirral University Teaching Hospital; and Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice.

BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell said: “I took part in the very first 1994 Liverpool International Half Marathon, as it was then known, and met organisers Bill Sergeant and Jim Ross. It was a chance meeting and they asked me to get involved. Fast forward to the present day and the race is owned, organised, and delivered by BTR Liverpool – which stands for Born To Run. Very appropriate.

“Last year we celebrated the 30th staging of the event – and this year marks the 30th anniversary. This has given runners two chances to be part of the celebrations. We closed entries three weeks before race day at 9,000 entries and we still continue to be inundated, which is positive looking ahead to next year. Demand has been unprecedented.

“Organising and delivering a race on this scale comes with many logistical challenges, and we will not compromise the quality of the event. Entries opened last March and we’re genuinely sorry if people missed out.

“This is a milestone event in a vibrant city full of landmarks, all set against the backdrop of a world-famous waterfront. Liverpool is iconic. It’s going to be a real part of running in Liverpool on St Patrick’s Day, with people visiting from across the world to join in and experience the atmosphere. It’s going to be incredible. Have a great race, let’s have plenty of smiles over those 10 and 13.1 miles, and please do stay safe.”