Race returns in 2015 with major event enhancements including a second day of running.
The 2nd annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Liverpool Marathon & 1/2 Marathon is returning to Merseyside in 2015 with exciting new additions. This year, the race is launching a Festival Weekend on 12th-14th June with activities including a two-day Running & Endurance Show, special events for participants around Liverpool, a 5K on Saturday and a 1-mile run on Sunday.
Rob Griffiths, race director, said: “We want to give runners of all abilities the opportunity to be part of race weekend. The 5K distance isn’t intimidating and offers participants a chance to get in one more training run before the marathon or half marathon on Sunday. Also, the whole family can do the 1-mile run and celebrate the sport of running together.”
Saturday’s new 5K will start and finish at Echo Area, running along the waterfront to the iconic Liver Building and back. Runners who complete the 5K, plus the half-marathon or marathon on Sunday will receive a medal for each race, plus a special spinning guitar pick “Remix Challenge” medal. Similar to Sunday’s event, the 5K will also include entertainment along the course and at the finish line.
In addition to the second day of running, race weekend will kick off with a two-day Running & Endurance Show, where all runners will pick up their race packets and explore numerous fitness retailers, exhibiters and interactive clinics. Runners will also have access to special events and parties throughout Liverpool over the weekend.
Councillor Wendy Simon, Liverpool City Council Assistant Mayor and Cabinet Member for culture, tourism and events, said: “Liverpool is a prime destination for a world-class running event, and to add shorter distances makes race day gives even more people the opportunity to take part, whether they’re experienced sports people or just dipping their toe in to the world of running.. The festival weekend offers participants the chance to explore Liverpool’s rich history and culture in many more ways and we look forward to welcoming runners from around the world.”
Sunday’s marathon, half marathon and 1-mile run will once again start and finish by the Albert Dock, one of the most visited attractions in the UK and a World Heritage Site. The race will feature scenic views of Liverpool’s stunning docks, rich architecture, spectacular museums and historic commercial districts. In true Rock ‘n’ Roll fashion, live bands and cheering spectators will line the route, concluding with a celebratory finish line festival and concert in front of the Echo Arena.
Last year nearly 7,000 runners from around the world toured the streets of Liverpool during the inaugural marathon and half marathon. More than 500 runners traveled from all around the world including Australia, Brazil and Russia.
The Liverpool race is part of an international series of entertainment-themed marathons and half-marathons that revolutionized the running industry in 1998 by infusing the racecourse with live bands, cheer teams and entertaining water stations. Other European race destinations in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series include Madrid, Dublin and Lisbon.
For more information or to register for the race, please visit RockEurope.com.
