“Triumphant” organisers herald inaugural RunLiverpool Marathon an overwhelming success

Race report: RunLiverpool Marathon - October 9, 2011

Organisers of the inaugural RunLiverpool Marathon have heralded yesterday’s event a “considerable triumph.”

The long-distance race, which has made a return to the city after a break of 20 years, saw a field of 5200 road runners and fundraisers at the start line in Birkenhead Park.

The Marathon was started by LFC’s Jamie Carragher, who’s 23 Foundation is one of the race’s four official charities. Jamie was accompanied by Andy Burnham MP at the start line, who watched runners commence their journey through 11 miles of Wirral streets before heading to the Queensway Tunnel and the Liverpool stage of the route - with the finish line located in the shadow of the Three Graces at the Pier Head.

Porsche Centre Chester, the official vehicle partner of the event,
provided two of their latest models for the role of official marathon lead timekeeping vehicles, which preceded the field.

Thousands of spectators turned out to line streets on both sides of the River Mersey despite the inclement weather, cheering on runners over the 26-mile route, with crowds swelling to 10-deep at the finish.

John McCole of Liverpool Harriers was the first to cross the line in 2 hours and 34 minutes. Running the race on behalf of the Montse Benitez Foundation, he received a message of support from the former Reds boss Rafael Benitez.

Ian Streeter took second place with a time of 2 hours 36 minutes, with Jason Cherriman finishing third with 2 hours 39 minutes.

Alison Sedman of Belle Vue Racers took the premier position in the Women’s Race in 3 hours 8 minutes, followed by Jenny Clague with a time of 3 hours and 11 minutes.

Race Director Alan Rothwell said: “I’m massively proud of our efforts in bringing the marathon back to Merseyside, it’s been away for far too long and I hope that now it will continue and grow into one of the UK’s leading events. It’s quite apparent that the Liverpool City Region is the kind of destination where people want to come and run in – a centre of running excellence. I’d like to thank all participants, the event delivery team and event sponsors for their commitment and dedication and I hope that they will join us in Olympic Year, next year for an even bigger and better race.”

The RunLiverpool Marathon 2011 is sponsored by Mizuno (Official Sports and Footwear brand sponsor), Porsche Centre Chester (Official Vehicle Partner), and Hilton Hotel Liverpool (Official Accommodation Partner).

Men's results

Women's results

Click here for full results

Stop Press: 2012 Marathon Date Confirmed: The date for the second is now confirmed as Sunday, 14th October 2012. Click here to find out more

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