Latest Update - 10th November 2010

Following contact with Councillor Wendy Simon (Cabinet Member for Culture & Tourism) she has confirmed that:

‘LCC are fully committed to delivering a marathon in October 2011, and that they are in negotiations with L13 10K specifically for the event in 2011- the event in 2012 and beyond will be subject to separate negotiations’

We are delighted that the purpose of this campaign has finally been achieved, in that a marathon will take place in Liverpool.

So all that is left, is to leave it in the hands of the organisers to give us a marathon we can be proud of.

From everyone who has been involved in the MM08 Campaign over the years, we hope that this event is a huge success and that all runners and visitors enjoy the race and their stay in the greatest city in the world.

Should visitors to the city require more information please visit

http://www.visitliverpool.com/

Latest update – 3rd November 2010

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.

Latest Update - 21st October 2010

Hello all please see below for the link to the latest update in relation to the proposed Marathon

Liverpool Daily Post Marathon Story

Update 1st October 2010

Slight hiccup today, the report wasn’t signed off but has been delayed due to a clash of dates with another local marathon.

We believe there is some negotiation to try and resolve it, hopefully they will do so soon and we can move forward.

Start of the Liverpool Marathon at St Georges Plateau in the 40's or 50's?

Picture taken by Keith G Medley

Liverpool Marathon finish at Anfield in the 40's or 50's?

Picture taken by Keith G Medley

Latest Update

Happy to report the worldwide interest in this event is building up, we have had emails and contacts from all over the globe, from France, Spain, USA, Australia and even Korea!

We will continue to refresh the blog with updates and news as this becomes available in order to support Liverpool City Council and Limelight Sports in staging the Liverpool Marathon 2011.

Liverpool Marathon 2011

I know it’s been a long wait but its finally arrived, we are delighted to let you know that Liverpool will host its first marathon for nearly twenty years when city leaders give their backing to race plans on October 1st. Council officers have recommended a leading industry player, to take over the job. All that remains is for the cabinet to accept the plan when they meet on October 1.


It is hoped that the marathon will attract 10,000 runners in its first year.


The aim is to make the marathon into the third biggest street race in the UK behind the London Marathon and Great North Run.


With television rights in place the race could be worth £3m to the local economy in the first year alone.


The first blue riband race is set to take place on October 9, 2011 under a one-year contract which would be extended up to 2016 if successful.


In its fifth year it is hoped up to 25,000 runners will take part.


Although a route is yet to be confirmed the World Heritage waterfront would be a key part of showcasing the city as would the historic cathedrals.


Cllr Joe Anderson, leader of Liverpool City Council, said: "Liverpool is world famous for its sporting excellence be it football, championship golf or the Grand National and a major marathon would further cement our reputation on the global stage. The profile and impact of a Liverpool marathon could be priceless for the city. It would be a brilliant showcase for the renaissance Liverpool has undergone as a European Capital of Culture and could also provide a huge boost to our tourism industry, running clubs and charities.’’


The first marathon, which is not expected to be profit making, will be funded wholly by the orgnaiser at no cost to taxpayers.


We feel this has been achieved by Liverpool City Council having the good sense and foresight to listen to the MM08 campaign and its supporters. This was confirmed by the council report recommending this event as follows:


“It was clear that in the build up to and during the Capital of Culture year of 2008 that there was considerable interest and support for Liverpool staging a Marathon. Whilst it could not be included within the already extensive 2008 programme of events it was agreed such and event should be one of the key legacy events for the future”

 Well done to everyone involved in the original MM08 campaign and lets look forward to an excellent event in 2011.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to you all, lets hope that 2007 is the year that a decision is made to go ahead with the Mersey Marathon in 2008.

We believe that any decision is likely to be made late January - early February, and as soon as we have any firm new developments we will update this blog to keep you all informed.

Thank you for your support so far and please continue to gather support and get more signatures on the petition!

Liverpool Echo Article

City's marathon to return in 08

Dec 13 2006

By Joe Riley Arts Editor, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL is bidding to host an international marathon.
Planners would like to see a big race in the city every year, starting in 2008.
Talks are taking place for Liverpool to join the exclusive list of global marathon destinations, along with London, New York and Rome.
But city council leader Warren Bradley told a Culture Company public briefing that the viability would "depend on a window being found in the calendar".
He told arts leaders at St George's Hall: "We are in negotiations for a Liverpool Marathon. But it would be more than a local event. It would be on the same scale as the New York Marathon, but as people come from all over the world to compete in such events, it would depend on finding a date that did not clash with marathons elsewhere."
A Liverpool marathon was first held in the 1930s. Another batch of marathons from 1984 to 1994 was abandoned because of sponsorship problems.
Delegates were told that more than 200 events planned for 2007, the city's birthday year, and the 100 so far arranged for Capital of Culture in 2008 were "only the beginning".
Culture company staff said Liverpool was well ahead of any former European Capital of Culture in planning its principal attractions.

Article published in the West Derby & Tuebrook Merseymart - 7th December 2006

Thanks very much to the Liverpool Echo for printing our letter in the paper tonight, to view the letter click on the link in the useful links section on the right hand side of the page.

Keep it going!

The campaign was mentioned in the Runners World newsletter last week, which prompted a huge rise in the number of people signing the petition.

In just a week we have had nearly 500 signatures, but we need to maintain this momentum, so tell all your friends, relatives, colleagues etc to sign up now and support this campaign.

Thank you

Keep up the good work

Just to say a big thanks to everyone that has signed the petition so far. The numbers are building steadily and we expect a big rise when the information is published in the Runners World newsletter this week, so watch this space!

And thanks to Runners World for their support in publicising the campaign.

Comments on why Liverpool should have a Marathon in 2008!

I grew up on Merseyside and regularly return to family there. I would definitely support such an event - it would have a huge number of family and friends out to support me on a race such as this, in the home city



What a fantastic opportunity to showcase the fabulous buildings, architecture and parks that we have in Liverpool.

What better way to introduce the world to Liverpool


This would help focus attention on Liverpool, and would also be helpful to northerners wanting to participate in a marathon without having to travel to London, where the marathon is always oversubscribed.


The Mersey Marathon will be an outstanding event in the cultural calendar for Liverpool, European Capital of Culture 2008! A cultural event as much as a sports event, the Mersey Marathon will bring together a variety of different people for different reasons. It's a unique opportunity and a fantastic chance for Liverpool to allow its people to reflect the cultural diversity of the city.

The Mersey Marathon will put the fun back into running!



Since the lack of North West marathon as the Blackpool marathon has sadly demised, this would be a welcome addition; a true embodiment of the place of sport in culture and a chance to move things onwards to 2012. If part of the Olympic ethos is based around Culture, why should the Capital of Culture not embrace participatory sport?



Liverpool is a major City in England and deserves the right to host it's own marathon. Good luck to you all for fighting for this.


Every major city hosts a marathon. There are dozens of cities that I would never have visited if it wasn't for a race. Clearly hosting a mass participation race is good for the local economy (hotels, restaurants, etc). Liverpool is supposed to be a sporting city, so why not?


I've done some great races in Liverpool, you get a great warm Liverpool welcome and the geography, city environment etc is so well suited to a marathon it would be a natural extension of the previous racing calendar. Please give it serious thought, if Belfast can do it with their hurdles then I'm sure you can!



Liverpool is a brilliant city, famous throughout the world and should certainly have it's own marathon, like most other cities throughout the world


I would love to return to Liverpool, the city of my schooling, to take part in The Marathon in 2008 and even beyond.


A marathon would be a great event to host in a city with a reputation for good humour friendliness. It could only be of benefit the city.



Every great city should have a great marathon.


I would love to run a marathon in Liverpool. What a great idea


If we truly are the Capital of Culture then this even is a must. The city is steeped in sport and this is a mass participation sporting event. What better way to involve the people?


Didn't realise Liverpool didn't have a marathon. It certainly did when I lived there in early 1980s. Time to reinstate I say as piddly little places have a marathon and Liverpool has enough great landmarks to make a great race


A marathon would be a fantastic way of bringing Liverpool's culture and history to a wider world


Having done 1,100 marathons/ultras so far, I would like to do the Liverpool (Full) Marathon in 2008...



If we are to be the capital of culture, then I feel we need to be giving off the right public image and messages. A marathon event would be ideal for this, to show a city united, to show different cultures and ages all promoting a positive active message both in terms of social, and physical, which should increasingly be the Government and local councils aim over the next few years. There will be plenty of participants and it would promise to be a great day in the history of
this fine city.



If small towns like Blackpool can stage a Marathon then Liverpool should at least get its finger out for 2008.Encouaraging people to take up running must be good for the health of the region. I used to be nearly 18 stone with high blood pressure. I have now run two marathons and I am no longer over weight. Ultimately I will be less of a burden on the NHS.



You must! Just absolutely must!


As someone who was born in Liverpool and organises over 15 races a year in Lancashire, I know the power of our sport! A marathon in Liverpool shows that sport is one of the key parameters of the culture of our vibrant city. Any BIG city would embrace a major city marathon - why not us!


Liverpool is my favorite city in the north. A marathon would be a wonderful opportunity to showcase all of the neat development and history of your city.


101 Marathons, run all over the world, and all major city's in UK, but as yet, not Liverpool. Even Birmingham has had one on its City 100th Aniv. So come on Liverpool, your a Great City, show it.


I fully support this proposal. In addition to the 'sporting angle' it will bring visitors into the city


When you look at the marathons that are run in other major cities, it makes me wonder why you haven't got one already.


It would be nice to have a marathon in Liverpool. Nice BIG race with that would accommodate slower runners.


It is quite extraordinary, especially given concern re obesity etc, that major cities such as Liverpool no longer have full marathons. Please ensure this event is restored for European culture 2008, and remains an annual event thereafter (especially as the UK will host the 2012 Olympics


Such an event would only improve the capital of culture calendar


This will be an excellent event and should be well supported by the many running clubs in the UK Mine, Blackheath Harriers is one of the largest running clubs in the UK Also as a member of the 100 marathon club, we too will support the event



The demise of the Mersey Marathon was a great loss to the running life of the region and its' standing in the sporting world. With the development around the pier head and Paradise Street area the opportunity to have a major race proceeding along past this new Liverpool should not be missed.

This would undoubtedly boost the city's profile and focus attention on the city itself. It will also bring a healthy amount of revenue into the local economy and provide an extremely enjoyable event for all concerned, runners, organisers and spectators alike.



Let's hope the Council see fit to include what would be a fantastic event for 2008. A Mersey marathon to top all marathon's. I'm sure it would attract thousands from all over Europe as well as Britain. Come on Liverpool City Council! do us athletes a favour and do yourselves proud.



The North West needs a great marathon, surely as European city of culture Liverpool should step up and show the rest of Europe that it to can stage an event that rivals that of most other European city marathons

We should certainly have a marathon, in our capital of culture year!



If Liverpool is serious in making 2008 successful it must have a marathon. The number of people it will bring in to participate and watch will be huge as will the potential world wide interest if quality runners can be persuaded to enter. It will also generate large amounts for charity.


It would be a great event in a great year for the city


For Liverpool, not having a city marathon is not only a pity - it's stupid, in terms of tourism promotion and economic benefits. Pull your socks up guys.


As a Liverpool University graduate I have strong ties to the city. The unique flavour, culture, dialect, and history of the place enable Liverpool to stand as prominent as a Capital city. A well-organised marathon race could enhance the spectacle attached to the culture capital, as well as attracting sponsorship, international television, and more importantly the visitor numbers in this important season. I wish you luck.

Please post messages of support and any other comments you feel relevant to the campaign.

Thank you