In partnership with Liverpool City Council, Rock ‘n’ Roll Liverpool Marathon & ½ Marathon is back and promises to be bigger and better than before. The popular running event is set to take part in the 50 Summers of Love celebration, embracing the music and culture of 1967. As part of the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love, Liverpool will play host to a season of events and performances inspired by the era including the annual musically themed race which returns 27-28 May.
1967 saw some of the biggest cultural shifts of a generation and the moment the avant-garde forced its way into the mainstream. Liverpool played a big part, it being the year Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album was released by the Beatles, The Mersey Sound poetry anthology was published and the Metropolitan Cathedral opened whilst homosexuality was decriminalised in the UK.
“We are so excited to be a part of this historic and colorful celebration,” said Stacey Campbell, Vice President of Global Events for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series. “Our event fits right into the theme of the summer which will honor an important part of Rock ‘n’ Roll history.”
Assistant Mayor and cabinet member for culture, tourism and sport, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon and ½ Marathon has become one of the highlights of the city’s sporting calendar and is growing in popularity year on year.
“We’re delighted that 2017’s event will be part of our Summers of Love programme and the music element of the running activity will help us celebrate what was one of the defining moments in modern culture.”
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Liverpool Marathon is known for putting local bands and live entertainment along the course to encourage runners as they make their way to the finish line. The musically themed race concludes with a finish festival and headline concert outside of Echo Arena to celebrate the day’s achievements. Last year’s event brought record breaking numbers to Liverpool with 16,000 registrants and a total economic impact of about ₤7.26 million.
The marathon and half marathon will start and finish by the Albert Dock, one of the most visited attractions in the UK and a World Heritage Site. The races features scenic views of Liverpool’s stunning docks, rich architecture, spectacular museums and historic commercial districts.
A 5K kicks off the weekend on Saturday at Albert Dock giving runners the opportunity to register for the Remix Challenge. Those who participate in the 5K and either the marathon or half marathon on Sunday will complete the Challenge and earn a bonus third medal. In its first year, the 5K was given the Running Award for the Best Fun Run in the UK.
For more information, visit RunRocknRoll.com/Liverpool or follow @RunRocknRoll on Twitter.
