We have been receiving a number of messages of concern relating to rumours that the race will now not be run by Limelight Sports as previously stated by the council.
We are aware of these rumours and are equally concerned, and would be in fact embarrassed, if this is the situation. As far as we know, nothing has been finalised and we can only hope for a late intervention/change of heart by the council. It would be sad for this event and the city, if we could not attract a major professional event organiser for the marathon that was ‘going to rival London and The Great North Run’
For those that are unaware, rumour has it that LCC, after investing thousands of pounds, and after taking up hours upon hours of council officers time, setting up and running a full scale procurement process; they may have finally ‘given’ the Liverpool Mersey Marathon contract to a small local running organisation, who did not come first in the bidding process.
Instead of the ‘leading industry player’ we were promised, who was going to deliver a marathon at no cost to the taxpayer, and was in fact going to be investing in the local economy. We are left with the possibility of it being staged by a race organiser who, last we heard, was operating out of a store cupboard in a local sports shop.
The only reason there is even a possibility of this event happening, is because the MM08 campaign has worked tirelessly to get this event staged since 2006. We have done this in many ways such as, lobbying councillors, standing in car parks and the city centre handing out leaflets, flyers and car stickers. We have a petition with nearly a thousand signatures on supporting the campaign, running this blog and communicating with runners all over the world who were interested in travelling to Liverpool to take part in such a prestigious event.
We raised the profile of the campaign nationally and globally, using online media and running magazines and online forums. In addition, we highlighted this in the local media through getting letters and articles printed in the local press.
All of this was done at our own expense, driven by a love of our own city and in order to see a high quality running event staged here.
So if these rumours are true, as you can appreciate, to say it would be a disappointment to us is a massive understatement.
Because of the lack of a ‘leading industry player’ , and the fact that the proposed date means a clash with the Chester Marathon, we fear for this event and indeed, the reputation of the city.
As soon as the council either confirms or denies these rumours, we will of course, keep you informed, but at the moment there is no information being shared at all, despite numerous emails to Councillor Anderson and others, we have received no response at all, however, you can rest assured that should anything be received we will share it with you.
Thank you for all your comments and continued support.
