Liverpool marathon
From the first race to Anfield in 1927 to the modern city marathon: the story of marathon running in Liverpool.
The Liverpool marathon: history, experience and charity
Marathons in Liverpool have a long history with civic backing, and races have been held in the city at irregular intervals since 1927. According to accounts of that first race, it was won by Sam Ferris in a time of 2:35:27. Ferris was one of the best marathon runners of his era: he competed at three Olympic Games and won the silver medal in the 1932 Olympic marathon. The 1927 race was organised by George Neville White, a former wrestler and Football League referee who was a respected figure in northern athletics. The race is said to have had 25 finishers, and Ferris's win has inspired generations of runners in the city.
The first Liverpool marathon finished at Anfield. A local newspaper billed it as the city's "greatest athletic event", and it was held on a Wednesday afternoon because many shops closed early for the Civic Week celebrations.
Running in Liverpool: what it's like
Liverpool is one of the biggest metropolitan areas in England. The port city is famous for its football clubs and as the home of The Beatles, but it also has an extensive network of riverside paths, green spaces, coastal promenades and parks.
Running in Liverpool is varied and backed by an active running community with plenty of clubs. Popular places to run include the Otterspool Promenade along the Mersey and, across the river, the Wirral Circular Trail. Good running parks include Sefton Park, Newsham Park and Rupert Lane Recreation Ground. For longer runs from the city, the Trans Pennine Trail is a good option.
The world came to Liverpool in 2012
In 2012 the Run Liverpool Marathon was held for the second time, and reports at the time noted entrants from as far away as Brazil. Scandinavia sent the largest group from outside the UK, and many runners travelled from other parts of England, such as East Yorkshire and the Midlands. Most entrants came from outside Merseyside, a sign of the city's appeal as a sporting and tourist destination.
The race had strong support from the local community, with spectators lining the course to cheer on runners, many of whom were raising money for charity. In later years Liverpool's marathon ran under different names and organisers, including as part of an international series of races known for music along the route.
Running for charity at Liverpool marathons
Running a marathon for charity is a rewarding experience. It is a chance to raise money for a cause close to your heart, and the support of sponsors gives you an extra reason to keep going when the miles get hard. Charity runners often get support from their charity with training advice, a running vest and a cheering point on the course.
Charity marathon running is a big force for good in the UK. It encourages people to get fit and to give, and turns an individual sport into something with a positive, wide-reaching effect on society. Many larger races set aside places for charity runners. Popular causes to run for include cancer research, heart and stroke charities, hospices and treatment centres, sight-loss charities, organisations that help people in crisis and children's charities.
An independent guide
This site is an independent running blog. It is not the organiser of any Liverpool race and does not sell entries. Event names, dates, routes and entry details change over the years, so always check the current race organiser's official website. For more background, read Liverpool Marathon: race history and local significance and our guide to Liverpool sightseeing.