The Tour of Merseyside is back for another unforgettable week of running in 2025, taking place from Sunday 29 June to Saturday 5 July. The unique event invites 500 hardy runners to cover six races, across seven days, totalling 52 miles around Merseyside.

The Tour of Merseyside is unlike any other event – both physically demanding and emotionally rewarding, it covers a wide range of terrain, from cross country to coastal paths, and even throws in a fancy dress challenge for good measure.

This year, organisers have introduced an exciting new twist: a Club Competition category, open exclusively to members of UKA-affiliated running clubs. To qualify, clubs must enter a minimum of six members, with no upper limit on team size. The winning club will be decided by calculating the mean average of the team’s chip times across all six races.

The 2025 edition kicks off with a half marathon at Rimrose Valley Country Park in Bootle. It’s a mostly flat, three-lap course around the park and along the Leeds to Liverpool canal, with a fast finish on the athletics track. From there, runners face a daily test of grit and versatility. Stage 2 is a tough multi-terrain 5.9-miler at Thurstaston, featuring beach sections, trails and hills.

The third race, the Ralla 10 Miler, is a flat and fast run along the old railway line, while the fourth – a 5-mile blast along the River Mersey – adds a fun twist by encouraging runners to don fancy dress. The penultimate stage takes place at Stadt Moers Park, a traditional 6-mile cross-country route with a classic ‘up hill and down dale’ feel. The grand finale is the Wirral Coastal 12 Miler, a scenic out-and-back from New Brighton to West Kirby, complete with a challenging stretch of beach.

Organisers say: "The Tour’s origins date back to the early 1980s, when marathon legend Dr Ron Hill first created the concept as a ‘Double Marathon’ challenge. Today, it continues to embody that same pioneering spirit, offering an alternative to the mass participation road races that dominate the calendar.

"But beyond the racing, it’s the sense of connection that keeps people coming back. Many lifelong friendships have been forged during the Tour, and the week-long event is cherished by those who complete it. Once you’ve taken part, it becomes a running memory you’ll carry for years."

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

Image: BTR Liverpool Facebook