The BTR Liverpool Half Marathon is set to become the biggest in its history after organisers unveiled a new route that allows capacity to increase to 15,000 runners for the 2026 event. The race, which takes place on 15 March, had originally sold out at 12,000 entries in record time, including 500 places for the accompanying BTR 10 Mile Road Race. However, changes to the course and start arrangements meant an additional 3,000 were made available, offering hope to runners who missed out first time round.

A major change for 2026 is a new start location at the waterfront Hill Dickinson Stadium, the new home of Everton Football Club. The race will also begin slightly later than usual at 9.30am to help with transport and access to the start area. The finish line remains at Pier Head, with runners completing their race against the backdrop of the Three Graces and the Liver Birds.

The updated route takes in more of Liverpool city centre in the early miles, including Liverpool Town Hall. Runners will also pass the striking Chinese Arch on Nelson Street, a landmark celebrating the city’s historic Chinese community, as well as Liverpool Cathedral.

Later in the race, the course will no longer head through Otterspool Park and along the Promenade. Instead, runners will return from Sefton Park and Princes Park via Princes Road and Upper Parliament Street, before heading along Queens Wharf and Halftide Wharf to rejoin the familiar waterfront section at King’s Dock for the run-in to the finish.

When entries first sold out, more than 3,000 people joined a waiting list. Those runners were given priority access to the newly released places before any remaining entries go on general sale. Organisers have also recently introduced an entry transfer system, allowing runners who can no longer take part to pass their place on.

In 2025, BTR Liverpool and its portfolio of events became part of Run For All, the  events company owned by the Jane Tomlinson Appeal. BTR's Alan Rothwell, commented: “The Liverpool Half Marathon is about to race to another level altogether by becoming the biggest ever since it was first staged in 1994. Being able to increase the overall event capacity to 15,000 is just incredible. This is all part of Run For All’s vision of taking BTR Liverpool events further forward and future-proof. It’s a very exciting time for our runners."

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

Image: BTR Liverpool