Race video and report: RunLiverpool Marathon, October 9, 2011
Approx 5,200 runners were set off from Birkenhead Park by Liverpool FC football legend Jamie Carragher to take on 26.2 miles through the streets of Liverpool. The start was set for 9.30 but, due to some traffic management issues, runners had to wait just under an hour to get going - but seeing as the last time a marathon was run in the city was over 20 years ago, another hour didn’t seem to dampen the runners enthusiasm. The delay did allowed runners and spectators to chat with Jamie and get some autographs.
The first twelve miles of the race took runners out and back along the Birkenhead sea front, with stunning view of the city skyline to look at while they ran. The wind was already starting to pick up, which made the relatively flat start more difficult, and most runners were looking forward to some wind respite when they eventually got to the Birkenhead tunnel. Any protection from the wind was quickly forgotten about as the climb out of the tunnel reveled its steepness (when you are in car you hardly notice it!). Once out of the tunnel the runners had hit the half way point and after yet another climb and into the “wind tunnel” of Old Hall Street (I worked here for 5years and I can vouch for how windy it gets) were greeted by some familiar faces from the running club Penny Lane Striders.
After a few turns at the top end of the city the course then drops back down towards the Liver buildings and runners got a teasing look at the finish line which looked so close but there were another 12 miles and two parks to see yet.
The race had attracted a number of local club runners and it was fitting that a local lad, John McCole from Liverpool Harriers AC was first across the line to set the course record and add his name to the new history book. There once was a time when every major city had its own marathon and we hope from the success at Liverpool that this is trend that is coming back into fashion.
