Press Release - RunLiverpool Marathon - 10/10/11

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                  "Triumphant" Organisers Herald Inaugural 
                RunLiverpool Marathon an Overwhelming Success 

       Organisers of The Inaugural RunLiverpool Marathon have Heralded 
                 Yesterday's Event a "Considerable Triumph."

The long-distance race, which has made a return to the city after a break 
of 20 years, saw a field of 5200 road runners and fundraisers at the start 
line in Birkenhead Park.

The Marathon was started by LFC's Jamie Carragher, who's 23 Foundation is 
one of the race's four official charities. Jamie was accompanied by Andy 
Burnham MP at the start line, who watched runners commence their journey 
through 11 miles of Wirral streets before heading to the Queensway Tunnel 
and the Liverpool stage of the route - with the finish line located in the 
shadow of the Three Graces at the Pier Head.

Porsche Centre Chester, the official vehicle partner of the event,
provided two of their latest models for the role of official marathon lead 
timekeeping vehicles, which preceded the field. 

Thousands of spectators turned out to line streets on both sides of the 
River Mersey despite the inclement weather, cheering on runners over the 
26-mile route, with crowds swelling to 10-deep at the finish.

John McCole of Liverpool Harriers was the first to cross the line in 2 
hours and 34 minutes. Running the race on behalf of the Montse Benitez 
Foundation, he received a message of support from the former Reds boss 
Rafael Benitez. 

Ian Streeter took second place with a time of 2 hours 36 minutes, with 
Jason Cherriman finishing third with 2 hours 39 minutes. 

Alison Sedman of Belle Vue Racers took the premier position in the Women's 
Race in 3 hours 8 minutes, followed by Jenny Clague with a time of 3 hours 
and 11 minutes.

Race Director Alan Rothwell said:

"I'm massively proud of our efforts in bringing the marathon back to 
Merseyside, it's been away for far too long and I hope that now it will 
continue and grow into one of the UK's leading events. It's quite apparent 
that the Liverpool City Region is the kind of destination where people want 
to come and run in - a centre of running excellence. I'd like to thank all 
participants, the event delivery team and event sponsors for their 
commitment and dedication and I hope that they will join us in Olympic 
Year, next year for an even bigger and better race."

The RunLiverpool Marathon 2011 is sponsored by Mizuno (Official Sports and 
Footwear brand sponsor) Porsche Centre Chester (Official Vehicle Partner) 
and Hilton Hotel Liverpool (Official Accommodation Partner). 
 
                               ###