BTR Liverpool, a leading independent North West race event organiser, has announced a full schedule for 2022 in an attempt to recover from the pandemic.
Founded in 2006, BTR Liverpool organises and delivers some of the region’s most popular running events, including the festive Santa Dash, which returned in December after going virtual during the pandemic, and the long-running Liverpool Half Marathon, which will be held for the 29th year in March.
After almost two years of guiding the firm through the Covid-19 pandemic, BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell is looking forward to what he thinks will be a very busy and exciting return to racing.
Almost all BTR races were either postponed or cancelled during that time, making it a difficult time for the organisation itself.
The team was able to adapt various BTR events to virtual runs in order to maintain its strong ties with the running community. Participants were given a run number and a medal, and they were required to complete the distance closest to them in order to comply with government lockdown requirements.
The full calendar of events for BTR Liverpool in 2022 has been revealed, including the return of Run For The 97 and the Port Sunlight Road Race.
A 52-mile multi-terrain race over seven days, a half marathon, a 10-mile road race, 10K and 5K races, 5K fun runs, and 1 mile and 1K fun runs for children are all on the event schedule for 2022.
BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell explained:
“It feels good to have that event excitement and real optimism with the announcement of the 2022 race dates. We’re already working on changing the format of the Liverpool Half Marathon in 2023 to celebrate its milestone 30th year – so watch this space for updates after this year’s race. It’s been a challenging two years for everyone but we’re hopeful that our established events will continue to appeal to runners across the North West and beyond.
“During lockdown, some people took solace in the great outdoors, so we have lots of events perfect for newcomers or anyone returning to running. Fun runs are ideal, and the atmosphere on event day is infectious.
“As soon as we set off on the adventure of the BTR Liverpool Skyline Half Marathon in March it’s a non-stop rollercoaster of running, fun and memory-making with like-minded people for the rest of 2022 – as long as we stay safe and look out for each other. We are very privileged to work alongside inspiring runners, incredible charities, and you never know what each event will bring. We are fully committed to the running community and once again look forward to welcoming everyone to enjoy the experience of a BTR race.”
The BTR Liverpool event calendar for 2022 is outlined below, online registration is open for all events.
BTR Liverpool Skyline Half Marathon / 10 Mile Road Race
Sunday 27 March 2022 – Pier Head Liverpool
The programme starts with the 29th annual Liverpool Half Marathon, one of the longest established races in the region. The 13.1-mile route starts and finishes at Pier Head Liverpool, winding its way through the city and onto Sefton Park, taking in the sights along the way. A grandstand finish on the world-famous waterfront is under the gaze of the city’s iconic Liver Birds. The race also includes the seventh annual BTR Liverpool 10 Mile Road Race.
BTR Medal Muddle 5K
Saturday 23 April 2022 – Hoylake Promenade
Medal Muddle returns with a 5K fun run on Hoylake Promenade, organised in conjunction with BTR Road Runners. It was first staged in August 2019 as part of BTR’s commitment to sustainability and environmental plan. Surplus race T-shirts and medals are repurposed and rebranded. The event raises money for local charities. Charities supported have already included Hoylake RNLI, Pawprints Wildlife Rescue, Hoylake Animal Rescue, Charles Thompson Mission Birkenhead, and Shy Lowen Horse & Pony Sanctuary.
Run For The 97 5K / 1 Mile
Saturday 21 May 2022 – Stanley Park, Liverpool
First staged in 2015, the positive community legacy event celebrates the lives of the 97 Liverpool fans who died at Hillsborough on 15 April 1989, and remembers the families and the survivors who have tirelessly fought for justice with the utmost dignity. It has been renamed to honour LFC fan Andrew Devine, who passed away recently. The four beneficiaries are Jamie Carragher’s 23 Foundation, LFC Foundation, Everton in the Community, and Stanley Park Liverpool CIC.
Port Sunlight Road Race 10K / 5K / 1K
Sunday 12 June 2022 – Port Sunlight Village, Wirral
Port Sunlight Village is the picturesque backdrop for a fantastic Summer race. Last staged in 2019, BTR Liverpool organise the event in conjunction with Port Sunlight Village Trust (PSVT). The races start and finish at the village green. The 5K route takes runners along the tree-lined boulevards and perfectly manicured gardens of the historic village. The 10K follows two laps, and there is a dual race option. A 1K children’s fun run also takes place.
BTR Tour Of Merseyside (52 miles)
Sunday 26 June to Saturday 2 July 2022 – Southport, Thurstaston, Walton, Otterspool, Stadt Moers in Knowsley, Wirral Coastal Path
This special race has become a firm favourite since it was launched in 2013. It attracts runners from far and wide to take on a week-long challenge in a bid to become a Tourist. Six races of varying distances are staged across seven days, covering 52 miles. Terrains include road, beach and cross country, with runners tour to race in various areas of Merseyside including Southport, Thurstaston, Otterspool and Wirral Coastal Path from New Brighton.
BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K
Sunday 11 September 2022 – Liverpool and New Brighton
Runners will be gearing up to take on the 16th BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K, one of the most unique races in the country. The point-to-point route starts in Liverpool city centre and takes runners straight into the Kingsway Tunnel to run under the River Mersey. After emerging on the Wirral, runners continue along Seacombe Promenade to Fort Perch Rock and the Marine Lake, finishing at New Brighton’s Marine Point with views overlooking the River Mersey.
If You Know Your History 5K
Sunday 9 October 2022 – Everton Football Club
If You Know Your History fun run is a 5K journey from the Merseyside birthplace of football to a fitting finish alongside Everton FC’s Goodison Park. The route starts at the 1787 Lock-Up Tower, which is at the heart of Everton FC’s famous club badge. Key points of interest along the route will be manned by Friends Of Everton Park and Everton FC History Society. Organised in conjunction with club charity, Everton in the Community.
BTR Liverpool Santa Dash 5K / 1K Mini Dash
Sunday 4 December 2022 – Pier Head Liverpool, Liverpool City Centre
After being staged virtually in 2020, the Appreciate Group Liverpool Santa Dash recently returned and saw 5,000 Santas once again pull on their Santa suits and dash round the city centre. Thought to be the UK’s biggest festive 5K fun run, it was created by BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell and first staged in 2004. The city is transformed into a sea of red, blue and mini Santas, and really does kick-start Christmas in Liverpool.
Grinch 5K
Sunday 12 December 2022 – West Kirby, Wirral
Originally scheduled for 2020, this new family fun run went ahead for the first time in December 2021. In complete contrast to the Santa Dash, this is a very different festive celebration and takes place on the beach at West Kirby. Everyone is asked to dress up and wear something green. There is also a best dressed ‘Max’ competition for four-legged friends attending on the day. The event supports the West Kirby Christmas Lights Appeal.
