Liverpool's BTR Half Marathon to expand for record participation in March 2026
The event will feature a new route and increased capacity for runners
The BTR Liverpool Half Marathon is set to be the biggest in its history when it takes place on 15th March 2026.
Organisers BTR Liverpool previously reported that the event had quickly sold out its original 12,000 capacity, prompting changes to accommodate more participants.
An additional 3,000 places have now been made available, increasing the total capacity to 15,000 runners.
This expansion comes alongside a significant shift in the race's logistics, including a new route and start time.
For the first time, the half marathon will commence at the waterfront Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton Football Club's new home ground.
The race will begin at 9.30am, allowing runners extra time for transport to the starting venue.
This adjustment follows anticipated building works on Canada Boulevard at Pier Head Liverpool, necessitating the move.
BTR Liverpool and Liverpool City Council have collaborated on this alternative plan to accommodate more runners.
The finish line remains at Pier Head Liverpool, against the striking backdrop of the Three Graces and the Liver Birds.
The route includes iconic landmarks such as the Chinese Arch and Liverpool Cathedral, alongside new sections through the city centre.
Runners will venture along Princes Road and Upper Parliament Street before rejoining the customary path along the waterfront to the finish.
Those on the race's waiting list will have first access to the additional places, with general sale following.
The BTR Liverpool Half Marathon, first held in 1994, stands out as one of the premier road races in the region, attracting participants both locally and internationally.
Alan Rothwell, BTR Race Director, expressed enthusiasm for the event's growth:
“The BTR Liverpool Half Marathon is about to race to another level altogether by becoming the biggest ever since it was first staged in 1994."
"We were thrilled when the event sold out last year at 12,000 entries. And this time round we’ve reached that number again but in record time. Now we can announce exciting changes to the course – which means we can also make an extra 3,000 places available."
"Runners will notice the changes from the get-go. They’ll cross the new start line at Everton Football Club’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium at a new time. The revised course will then take them past more iconic city centre landmarks as they embark on their 10 mile or half marathon races. Being able to increase the overall event capacity to 15,000 is just incredible. This is all part of Run For All’s vision of taking BTR Liverpool events further forward and future-proof."
"A big thank you especially to the Merseyside running community, who really throw their support behind this event and have made it a ‘must do’ in the race calendar. Watch this space, there are plenty of inspiring things to come from BTR Liverpool and Run For All."
The upcoming event is expected to attract significant tourism, benefiting the local hospitality sector over the race weekend.
BTR Liverpool continues to lead in organizing major running events across the region, ensuring a bustling calendar from March through December annually.