After a week of bad news and struggles, it was a victory that I made it to the start line.

When and where?

17/03/24 – Liverpool, UK

Start and Finish: Pier Head, Liverpool

The Route

Once we crossed the start line we ran along the main road and after about a mile we turned left up Upper Parliament Street. This was the hilliest point as we climbed up. Many started walking at this point.

Eventually it evened out and we ended up in Sefton Park. Throughout the route it was full of support, it was rare there wasn’t anyone around. We weaved in and around the park I think we explored it all.

Eventually we went under a tunnel that meant we could safely cross over a main road, and we entered another park. When we entered Otterspool park, there was a giant puddle. It was deep, as one runner found out. I, along with the majority, took the sensible option of running around the edge. It did mean my lovely mint coloured New Balance now have mud splats all over them!

With a little climb, we then ran down to the waterfront. It was a 4 mile stretch to the finish. This is when the sun was at its peak and oddly there was no breeze. I think this was the first time I’ve run along there without a breeze!

The 4 miles went on forever, running over cobbles and speed bumps. The support continued to be fantastic, but as we turned the corner to the finish it was amazing! It gave me a push to the finish line and what relief.

Those who ran the Liverpool Rock n Roll Half Marathon, it was mostly similar apart from you don’t run through Mathew Street or Chinatown.

Race Conditions

It did keep trying to rain at the start but the sun soon came out. It was pleasant until we reached the waterfront.

There was no cover on the last 4 miles and oddly there was no breeze!

This meant that some people were struggling. Several had collapsed and were receiving medical treatment. I did back off a lot because I didn’t want to collapse! I’m prone to in hot weather.

My Performance

Well, it wasn’t the race I had wanted.

At the start of the week, I received some bad news. It affected me badly mentally and I hadn’t really slept. My cat had also been hit by a car (thankfully, she will be fine), but the stress of it all really has affected me.

There was no longer an aim other than to finish.

At the start line I didn’t really want to be there. I saw my friends Neil and Steve which helped me a little.

As I set off I felt awful, I felt so fatigued and emotional. I focused on my breathing and looking ahead. I tried to smile at everyone cheering me on.

I used the early miles to observe people around me, there were so many different kinds of runners. But we were all there together. It was oddly comforting.

The miles ticked by, whenever I felt I bit overwhelmed I backed off a little but I kept on running. I cried at certain points, getting it out of my system.

At around mile 8 I started to feel relaxed and began to interact with other runners, chatting to them and encouraging them.

When we reached the waterfront, the glaring sun gave me a warning. Luckily I had my own water with me and I was well prepared. I saw some of the runners who had collapsed and knew I should keep it sensible. I ticked off the miles and cheered with other runners, we were going to finish!

The last two miles were mainly cobbles and speedbumps. It was bloody annoying. I was trying to keep positive but I really wanted a pint and be done.

I looked around me and saw some of the runners who had run ahead of me early on. I had caught at least 4 of them! I knew I wasn’t running the pace I was capable of, but I was obviously running a consistent pace.

Running around the corner to the finish line there was a roar of cheers. A huge crowd screaming our names. We were going to finish!

I saw my mum and my friend Claire, I gave them a thumbs up and ran to the finish.

Thank chuff for that. I did it.

Would I recommend?

Yes, it is a well supported and organised race.

It did take a while to get to the start line, as there was 9000 of us, but once we were off it was great. Plenty of water stations, which I took to help cool down and there were lots of friendly faces.

Plenty of toilets at the start too, great for that last minute wee!

After the race there wasn’t really much going on there but it’s Liverpool… there’s plenty of places to go! The race was on St Patrick’s Day so I did have a bit of a session after!

Official Time: 2hr 20mins