Leading independent race organiser BTR Liverpool has announced a busy and exciting event portfolio for 2024 – which also includes a number of milestone anniversaries and the return of an old favourite.
Established in 2006, BTR Liverpool creates, organises, and delivers some of the region’s headline running events – including festive spectacular the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash and established road race BTR Liverpool Half Marathon. Both are long-standing, key events in the annual programme.
The 30th anniversary of BTR Liverpool Half Marathon is on 17 March, with the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash celebrating its 20th anniversary on 1 December.
After a few tough years, BTR Liverpool has worked tirelessly to overcome the economic challenges arising through the Covid-19 global pandemic. The team have adapted races and introduced virtual options where possible, which continues to prove popular with regular BTR runners and attract newcomers.
Race entries are once again growing with 2024 already shaping up to be a successful year. Entries are open now for all BTR races – the full calendar and portfolio can be found at www.btrliverpool.com
The programme for 2024 includes a number of key milestones. First up is the 30th anniversary of BTR Liverpool Half Marathon which falls on St Patrick’s Day – Sunday 17 March. More than 6,000 runners have already signed up with almost two months still to go to race day.
The celebrations continue with 20th anniversary BTR Liverpool Santa Dash on Sunday 1 December; and 10th anniversary BTR Tour Of Merseyside, a seven-day challenge of six races covering 52 miles starting on Sunday 30 June.
This year also sees the 10th staging of community legacy Run For The 97 5K on Saturday 18 May; followed by a decade of the Port Sunlight Road Race on Sunday 9 June featuring 5K and 10K distances, as well as a 15K dual race.
The portfolio also includes the BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K on Sunday 14 April; and BTR Wirral 10K on Sunday 13 October. And new for 2024 – BTR is bringing back the Women’s 10K Liverpool on Sunday 8 September.
BTR Liverpool is the leading independent organisation for creating, managing, and delivering headline running events across Liverpool City Region. Its extensive portfolio covers various distances across different terrains, all with an ongoing commitment to sustainability.
The portfolio includes events for all ages and abilities – from serious athletes pushing for a PB to families running together for run and everyone between, including many people taking part in their very first organised event.
The man at the helm is Liverpool-born BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell. He began running as a youngster and now race events are his vocation.
BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell explained:
“Last year was positive in that we turned a corner and could see a marked increase in people once again taking part in organised races and fun runs. For some people that’s what really makes them tick. Once you sign up you’re committed to the cause – you have a target, focus, and aim. And a real reason to train and stay fit and healthy.
“The 2024 programme is full of variety. Honest events bursting with heritage, great history, landmarks, an infectious atmosphere; while others are packed with fun, laughter, a real community feeling; and not forgetting plenty of challenges along the way to really test runners.
“First up in the 2024 calendar is the 30th anniversary BTR Liverpool Half Marathon – and it’s a huge testament to the history and standing of the event that we already have more than 6,000 runners signed up. A running party in Liverpool on St Patrick’s Day, with lots of runners visiting from overseas, people enjoying their post race celebrations – it’s going to be incredible.