Liverpool 2024 half marathon sees biggest event since 2013

The event featured the 30th anniversary BTR Liverpool Half Marathon and ninth staging of the BTR Liverpool 10 Mile Road Race, which also attracted 520 competitors. Both races attracted a combined total of almost 7,900 finishers on the day.

First staged in 1994, the half marathon is highly regarded as one of the region’s longest established premier road races in the region and is a highlight in the North West race calendar. It also attracts participants from across the country and globally.

To mark the race falling on St Patrick’s Day – BTR Liverpool literally ran away with the green and black theme extending it to race numbers, T-shirts, medals, and hoodies.

Both races started and finished on Pier Head Liverpool on the city’s world-famous waterfront alongside the Three Graces – Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building, and Port Of Liverpool Building.

The BTR Liverpool Half Marathon was won by Matt Crehan from St Helens Sutton AC in 1 hour 8 minutes 5 seconds. Matt took third place last year. This year he not only moved up two podium places – but he also knocked 39 seconds off last year’s time.

The male half marathon course record remains in tact. It was set by Dejene Gezimu from Liverpool Harriers & AC in 2017 with 1 hour 5 minutes and 52 seconds.

Second place was Ian Lawton representing Prime Triathlon Coaching in 1 hour 8 minutes 18 seconds. Ian won the half marathon in 2023. Third place was Harry Lupton from Charnwood AC in 1 hour 10 minutes 6 seconds.

First place finisher in the half marathon was Fay Hughes representing Wirral AC in 1 hour 21 minutes 49 seconds.

The female half marathon course record remains in tact. It was set last year by Caroline Brenchley with a time of 1 hour 17 minutes 54 seconds. She beat the previous record set in 2017.

Second place was Isabelle Jones in 1 hour 22 minutes 7 seconds. Third place was taken by Niamh Donnelly from Liverpool Harriers & AC in 1 hour 22 minutes 37 seconds. Niamh was second place last year – but this time took seven seconds off her time.

The BTR Liverpool 10 Mile Road Race was won by Alistair Rutherford from Liverpool Harriers & AC in a time of 51 minutes 56 seconds. He set a new 10-mile course record by 27 seconds.

The previous record by set by fellow Liverpool Harriers & AC club member Stephen Campbell in 2022 with a time of 52 minutes 23 seconds. Stephen also won last year’s 10-miler.

Second place Sam Stratford from HI Runners in 54 minutes 42 seconds. Third place was Bradley Williams from Wallasey AC in 55 minutes 34 seconds.

There was a second top podium place for Liverpool Harriers & AC with first place female in the 10-miler being Rachael Burns in 59 minutes 2 seconds. Rachael also set a new female 10-mile course record by 5 minutes and 59 seconds.

The previous record was set last year by Sarah Carroll from Salford Harriers with a time of 1 hour 5 minutes 1 second.

Second place female was Kelly Hamilton representing St Helens Striders in 1 hour 5 minutes 9 seconds. Third place was Joanne Stanfield from Trentham RC in 1 hour 7 minutes 44 seconds.

All 12 runners who placed were presented with a trophy and prize money.

The four overall winners – Matt, Fay, Alistair, and Rachael – were also presented with a bottle of limited edition Runners Gin.

The race routes took 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.

Before returning along Otterspool Prom to Pier Head Liverpool for a grandstand finish line under the gaze of the city’s Liver Birds.

This year’s BTR Liverpool charity partners for the 2024 event portfolio are 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. All eight charities were represented on the day by runners or volunteer teams.

BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell said: “The 2024 BTR event calendar is now underway! This year’s 30th anniversary event exceeded all expectations we ever had for the milestone celebrations. A big thank you to 7,900 runners and the thousands of spectators who came out on the day to line the route and cheer on their friends and family.

“A huge jump in demand and the day’s incredible atmosphere, as well as a wave of green and black T-shirt spilling out from the Pier Head to continue the St Patrick’s Day celebrations across the city really did make the day a real highlight in the history of BTR Liverpool.

“A genuine thank you to our volunteer teams – Dockside Runners; GoodGym Liverpool; Knowsley Harriers; 2-Step, members of the Merseyside running community; and Merseyside Army Cadet Force – who did an incredible day. They make a massive difference on the day. Entries are already open for next year’s BTR Liverpool Half Marathon on Sunday 23 March 2025. Almost 200 very keen runners have already signed up with over a year to go.

“Next is the BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K on 14 April. Join us for this brilliant race – the only time you can run through the historic Kingsway Tunnel.”

The date of next year’s race has been announced as Sunday, March 23 2025. Entries are open – and 150 runners have already registered.