More than 5,000 runners will come together on the start-line at Pier Head Liverpool on Sunday, 2 April, for the Vitality Liverpool Half Marathon 2017. Andrew Wright reports.

This coming weekend will see runners from across the world descend on Liverpool to take part in one of the city’s largest annual sporting events.

The 13 mile challenge is described by organisers as ‘the North West’s premier road race’.

The start and finish line area on the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Waterfront provides the backdrop to one of the region’s most established race events , now in its 24^th year.

The race, sponsored by insurance company Vitality, starts at 9am.

Vitality Liverpool Half Marathon is organised by BTR Liverpool, an independent organisation for creating, managing and delivering race events across Liverpool City Region.

BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell commented: “It’s the biggest road race in the BTR portfolio and a real highlight, so we cannot wait to get 2017 off the ground with the North West’s premier road race.

“First introduced to the race calendar in 1994, it still continues to have a strong domestic and international draw 24 years on. Many of our regular runners tell us that this was their very first half marathon race, so it’s great to welcome back familiar faces each year and see them running alongside newcomers starting out on their running journey.

“Entries for the half marathon are still open so come and join us for a fantastic day. Planning is already well underway for the 2018 event – our milestone 25^th silver anniversary celebration race.”

Participants will be travelling from across the globe are travelling to Liverpool for the race, and countries represented include Austria, Brazil, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Qatar, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden and the USA.

Vitality CEO Neville Koopowitz added: “I want to thank all those who have registered to run and all those currently working hard to ensure it will be a fantastic race. It promises to be a great day for runners and supporters alike.”

The race route takes in landmarks including Albert Dock Liverpool, the Museum Of Liverpool, Liverpool Cathedral, and Sefton Park Palm House.

A three-mile home straight along Otterspool Promenade brings runners back to Pier Head Liverpool to cross the finish line in front of the Three Graces – the Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building, and Port of Liverpool Building.

Last year, a new race was added to the day’s proceedings with the BTR Liverpool 10 Mile Road Race. This race has already sold out for 2017.

Entries are still open for the half marathon. All finishers receive a bespoke medal, commemorative T-shirt and goody bag.

Register online at www.btrliverpool.com