1,500 returned to race action on Merseyside on Sunday (27 June) at a sunny Southport where Stephen Symons summed up the mood of excited participants: "Last race 16 months ago was Liverpool Half Marathon, today ran my first race back at Half Marathon in Southport – felt good to be back racing."

Stephen is one of dozens of runners who continued in racing mode - Stockport Half doubled as the first event of the 6-stage Tour of Merseyside, and the organiser of the Tour  BTR Liverpool's Alan Rothwell told runABC North: "It's brilliant to see racing back and the good weather is a bonus. I hope it continues right through to the final leg at the Wirral Coastal Run on Saturday.”

Back at Southport, Marco Parolin led home a big field in the feature half marathon. The Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde AC ace finished in 1:12:37 just ahead of Chris Pownell (1:13:03) who was first of a big contingent of Knowsley Harriers. Wigan Harrier Alice Alcock (1:26:54) was fastest female.

In the 10K, Cardiff AC's Edd Flynn (32:08) and Wigan Phoenix's Victoria Bryant (39:03) claimed bragging rights.

The popular summer double header attracted a big turnout of club runners and Penny Lane Striders, Kirkby Milers, Ellesmere Port RC, Southport & Waterloo AC, St Helens Striders, Red Rose Runners, Liverpool RC and Liverpool Running Bugs were well-represented. In addition, hundreds donned the vests of their favourite charities to raise much-needed funds for good causes, hit badly by the pandemic.

Post-race Greg Woodley was complaining of sore feet but he was delighted to have raised over £1,500 for Royal Liverpool Hospital. Greg and his family were saying thank you for the compassion, care and dignity shown to their mum in her last days.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/woodleybrothers

Check out the results for Southport Half Marathon and 10K via runABC North's event page.

Image courtesy of Mick Hall Photos