There was plenty cause for celebration at the weekend's BTR Liverpool Half Marathon with close to 8000 runners taking part in the special 30th anniversary edition on Sunday (17 March).

BTR Liverpool's Alan Rothwell commented: "We're still recovering after an incredible turn-out for Sunday's 30th anniversary BTR Liverpool Half Marathon and ninth staging of the 10 Mile Road Race. A huge thank you to everyone who ran, supported, and volunteered.

"We had 7,900 runners on the day - the biggest number since 2013 and 3,600 more finishers than last year."

Among the runners were Stephen Symons and Jamie Doolan who had completed all previous 30 races and wanted to continue their running streak. They have taken their tally to 31 and remain the event's only two 'ever present' participants having both completed the race on Sunday successfully.

Former Royal Marine Commando Andy Grant also took part in the half marathon. He lost a leg during a tour in Afghanistan and now wears a blade to run. He won Gold medals at the Invictus Games 2014 and in 2016 he set a World Record as the fastest single leg amputee over 10K. Andy completed the half marathon in 2:08:27.

Getting the party started, Loughran School Of Irish Dance from Liverpool welcomed runners to the start line to mark St Patrick’s Day while Liverpool drumming band Batala Mersey once again spurred on runners to the finish line with their captivating live entertainment.

Plenty of runners took to social media after they'd crossed the finish line to congratulate organisers on another fantastic event. Martin Russell commented: "Already signed up for next year. Thank you to all concerned for this great event." While Simon Cavanagh agreed: "Brilliant event as always! One day that first mile will get easier!"

Peter Maybury enthused: "Loved it. Great to have such a big field and must have been a lot of new runners and first time halfers, which is also great. Not often that breeze on prom is behind so that was nice!"

Jan Cassidy and her husband had a great time: "We absolutely loved it thank you BTR Liverpool . It was my 4th time running it and my husband's 5th. A big thank you to the 140 minutes pacing guys who were absolutely brilliant and helped me get my PB."

Entries are already open for next year with a race date of Sunday 23 March. If you'd like to know more, visit the BTR Liverpool website or enter here.

Image: Stratus Imagery