Established in 2006, BTR Liverpool creates, organises, and delivers some of the Merseyside's headline running events – including festive spectacular the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash and established road race BTR Liverpool Half Marathon. Both are long-standing, key events in the annual programme.

After a few tough years, race entries are once again growing with 2024 already shaping up to be a successful year. First up is the 30th anniversary of BTR Liverpool Half Marathon which falls on St Patrick’s Day – Sunday 17 March. More than 6,500 runners have already signed up with almost two months still to go to race day.

The celebrations continue with 20th anniversary BTR Liverpool Santa Dash on Sunday 1 December; and 10th anniversary BTR Tour Of Merseyside, a seven-day challenge of six races covering 52 miles starting on Sunday 30 June.

This year also sees the 10th staging of community legacy Run For The 97 5K on Saturday 18 May; followed by a decade of the Port Sunlight Road Race on Sunday 9 June featuring 5K and 10K distances, as well as a 15K dual race.

The portfolio also includes the BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K on Sunday 14 April; and BTR Wirral 10K on Sunday 13 October. And new for 2024 – BTR is bringing back the Women’s 10K Liverpool on Sunday 1 September.

The man at the helm is Liverpool-born BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell. He began running as a youngster and now race events are his vocation. He explains: “Last year was positive in that we turned a corner and could see a marked increase in people once again taking part in organised races and fun runs. For some people that’s what really makes them tick. Once you sign up you’re committed to the cause – you have a target, focus, and aim. And a real reason to train and stay fit and healthy.

“The 2024 programme is full of variety. Honest events bursting with heritage, great history, landmarks, an infectious atmosphere; while others are packed with fun, laughter, a real community feeling; and not forgetting plenty of challenges along the way to really test runners.

“We’re busy planning across all the events and cannot wait for them to start in March, and then it’s non-stop right through to the end of the year. Come and experience a BTR event for yourself – creating special memories of running, fundraising, and ultimately all coming together with one goal and that is to achieve great things. It’s going to be a very special 2024 and we look forward to sharing this joy throughout the year.”

If you'd like to know more, visit the BTR Liverpool website.

Image: BTR Liverpool