Liverpool, Merseyside. Sunday May 28th 2017.
The weekend started on Saturday morning with the long drive up to Liverpool from Hampshire. This year the whole family came and I had booked into a really nice and plush (but not cheap!) hotel right next to the famous Liver building. This was just a short walk away from the Albert Dock and the start area of the marathon, as well as a short walk to the city centre, so it was just a perfect location.
The organizers of the Rock 'n' Roll Liverpool marathon had posted my timing chip and bib number to me well in advance, however as Mel and children were doing the mile run we needed to go to the 'packet pickup' and expo, which was the Echo Arena. Mel was chatting on facebook with a couple of ladies were stuck on the M6 and were worried about missing the expo. They had emailed over the packet pickup forms as well as ID, which I hastly printed out in the hotel reception before we headed off to the Expo.
The Expo itself was great, this was down in the basement of the Echo Arena. It's certainly not as big as the expo for the London Marathon, but there was quite a few stands selling the usual range of running clothes, energy gels etc as well as a handful of stands for other races. The kids really enjoyed the Sgt. Pepper dress up area. It was 50 years since Sgt. Pepper was released, so Liverpool was celebrating "50 summers of love" and this was one of the events. There was also a wall to write motivational messages on (although I never saw it on the run).
Picking the mile run numbers up was quick and easy, and much banter exchanged with the staff. We also collected the packets for the two ladies stuck on a coach on the M6. Mel met them later in a coffee shop and was rewarded with good karma and some delicious chocolates :-) There was live music keeping us entertained. I also picked up a so-called 'vanity bib' to celebrate that I had run this race four times.
It was a mercifully short walk from the hotel to the start area. The arena itself was open, with loads of toilets. It was a nice warm morning but I can imagine the arena would be a good place to shelter had the weather been pants. The place was buzzing with runners, as the half marathon was due to start about an hour before the full marathon. As we all walked past the Albert Dock, the live band started playing which was just brilliant - live music. Well this is the rock 'n' roll marathon after all!
The start was crawling with armed police, given the horrific events in Manchester a few days before the race, the organisers were understandably jumpy. It was re-assuring to feel we were being looked after especially given the size of the crowds. In solidatory for Manchester, I was wearing a yellow t-shirt (actually, one of the race t-shirts from Liverpool!) as well as a yellow ribbon pinned to my race bib. There was a well organised bag drop area inside the arena (I had used this in previous years), but didn't need to use that as I was staying so close.
I lined up at the start, this year I was well back and in a much later wave (9) than ever before, but then I have slowed down quite a bit.
The organisers of the marathon manage the masses of runners extremely well. There was a wave start (with about 10 waves) and a couple of minutes in between each wave. So not a massive wait to get going, but I was able to run at my own pace right from the start.
Crossing the start line we ran past the famous Albert Dock; past the Museum of Liverpool and that strange black building which the locals call 'Darth Vader's retirement home', and Pier Head. As I left the dock area I ran past Mel and the kids and we managed a high five, the kids shouted out at me "go Daddy, I am proud of you!" that was a wonderful moment.
The first few miles of the race we started on a pretty depressing dual carriageway, heading towards John Moores University. I remember from previous years that this was on a slight incline, and so easy to overcook it and waste energy. So, right from the start I was doing my run/walk method of 90 second run, 30 seconds walk. We went past a fantastic live band at mile 1, and a DJ at mile 2. This was one of the great things about this race - live music and DJs at pretty much every mile this really keeps the motivation levels up and a fantastic party atmosphere. It also drowns out the negative thoughts which can crop up in a long run!
As we approached mile 3 there was an advertising horde, "Brian Epstein died for you" which I later found out was to do with "50 summers of love", and the role that he had with the Beatles and Sgt. Pepper. Here was the first of the many aid stations, there was plenty of water however my only gripe was every single aid station had ran out of sports drinks. There were half drunk 500ml bottles discarded by the side of the road, so I could see that the faster runners had plenty of supplies but had got through the lot. I hope they order more for next year, as previous years there had been no problems at all. Fortunately, I had my camel bak with a litre of Lucozade in it, but felt sorry for the other runners who had to go without. On a hot day like it was, you need to replace salt and electrolytes, water is of course essential but sports drink really do help.
We then took a left turn and headed up towards the Everton area of Liverpool, of course famous for Stanley Park and the football stadium. The route took us on a full lap right around Goodison Park. Footballs not really my thing but it was still interesting and lot of the locals had come out to see what was going on.
We then went into the really lovely Stanley park for a lap. Liverpool is a big city but they certainly know how to do parks, the race went through many and they are all really good. At this point I got chatting to a couple of ladies. Ellie was running her first marathon and was over from Hull, and I also got chatting to lady called Julie.
We then came past the famous "Shankly gates" of Liverpool FC and past Anfield. It always surprises me how close these two stadiums are!
Once we got past there there was a bit of zig-zagging across the road, and suddenly we were on the worst hill of the entire race at mile 7. I had made the mistake in previous races of running up this hill which was almost a mile long. The last thing you need at mile 7 in a marathon are two knackered legs full of lactic acid!
At this point we were had done quite a lot of climbing but we were rewarded with a wonderful view across the city, looking towards the River Mersey and the city.
Our reward for that climb was the high point of the city and a just amazing view across the entire city, in the distance I could see Albert Dock, The Liver Building and of course the River Mersey.
We passed what must have been my favourite 'band on the run' - a group of gents dressed up like the 118 advert - a nod to the fact this was a road race and of course the famous scousers from Harry Enfield.
We now dropped gently back into the city, on the other side of the road. I caught sight of the tail runner - I felt a little too close for comfort so upped my pace a bit! I had done my run/walk right from the beginning and just kept that going. As we dropped back into Liverpool City Center, we went through the famous Mathew Street, home of the famous Cavern Club where the Beatles had played in the sixties.
There were no barriers to keep the runners separated, so it was a bit interesting with tourists and people worse the wear for drink (from the night before) milling about!
Near the Cavern club are life size statues of John Lennon and Cilla Black, as well as some more 'bands on the run'. To be honest, I wish I'd just walked slowly, there was so much to see and hear!
After going through the Cavern Club, we made our way through the City towards the town hall, where a band had set up on a balcony. Just brilliant!
We took a left turn and right in front of us was the Liver Building, with the two Liver birds perched on top. A further left turn took us past Albert Dock again, and suddenly we were at the entrance to China Town.
This apparently is one of the oldest "China Towns" in the country. I always enjoy this part of the course as the locals come out to cheer you on. I won't mention the incline! On we plodded on a very long straight section of road, heading up towards Prince Park. By now I had clocked up 13 miles and I still felt great, legs feeling a bit on the tired side but nothing too bad. I kept the run/walk going and chatted to people on and off.
We left Princes Park before shortly entering another park - Sefton Park - which is really lovely. It had lovely tree lined paths which gave some shade, by now the sun had come out and it was getting quite toasty.
The boating lake was really nice and there were loads of people out enjoying the sunshine and tucking into ice creams (I was tempted for a moment to buy one!)
We exited the park and there was an out-and-back section past the Liverpool College, and into Penny Lane. Yes, the Penny Lane made famous by the Beatles. They had a DJ playing Penny Lane over and over again... I felt sorry for her! It was just lovely though, top marks to the organisers of the race for making that part of the race. I also saw Julie again on my return back to Sefton Park, and gave her a wave. Just before re-entering Sefton Park I also saw Ellie again who I had met way back at Anfield. We were just coming up to 19 miles and she was struggling, I tried to give her some encouragement and also gave her one of my emergency Mars Bars, which seemed to do the trick!
That's one of the things I love about running - you can meet complete strangers and you all help each other out. I found out on facebook later that she had got her 'second wind' a few miles later and completed the race in a very respectable time. Respect to you Ellie on finishing your first marathon!
We left the park for the last time and now it was time to literally 'go round the houses', heading up towards the Aigburth area of Liverpool. The locals were fabulous and had made unofficial water stops as well as hosing off us runners - it was hot and we needed it! Kudos to the people of Liverpool for the top notch support.
A running theme since the start was I kept bumping into a lady who was supporting, she was wearing the same t-shirt as me. I've forgotten her name, but I asked for a selfie anyway and why not! If you now this lady let me know!
There was now a bit of a slog for a mile along the main road. Some more great support from the locals though, who were shouting support from their car windows (at least, it sounded like support... I hope... LOL) and sounding the car horns. All very good natured stuff. The organisers had arranged for another awesome band of drummers which was spot on, just the lift we needed.
Finally we crossed under the road and left this busy road well behind, some very enthusiastic marshal cheered us on and kept us safe. We now entered the final park of the race - Otterspool. There was a slight climb towards the exit at the 22.5 mile point.
There was a chap playing guitar on his own here, and we had to run round the back of this boarded up building. It certainly gave an odd atmosphere.
Finally we had reached the River Mersey, this was at the 22.5 mile point. The runners took a right turn, and we were on the prom heading back to Pier Head and the finish. In front of us was a 3.5 mile dead straight slog next to the Mersey. The legs continued to co-operate - I was tired for sure, but I could keep the run/walk going. I was beginning now to pass people constantly who had run out of energy, which I found motivated me to keep going.
There were still plenty more 'bands on the run' to keep us all entertained. I really enjoyed listening to them and just dug in for all I was worth.
Suddenly the Echo Arena was in front of me and the finish line. I saw Mel and the kids and managed another high five! I found some hidden reserve of energy and sprinted past people towards the finish line, and I was done! Yes!
I was given my medal (which was awesome, they do the BEST bling here ever), and had my picture taken. I then headed inside the arena to be given a goody bag of crisps, chocolate and drinks as well as pick up my Sgt. Pepper themed t-shirt. I also collected my 'Encore' medal - they gave me a extra medal as I'd ran the race the previous year. At the end was a free concert and a free beer for every finisher (I didn't have it as I don't drink). Mel and the kids had watched Republica play and thoroughly enjoyed it. They had done the mile run which they really enjoyed, and each received a 'yellow submarine' themed medal.
I've already booked 2018, this is my favourite ever road race, dare I say it, I like it more than London!
The weekend started on Saturday morning with the long drive up to Liverpool from Hampshire. This year the whole family came and I had booked into a really nice and plush (but not cheap!) hotel right next to the famous Liver building. This was just a short walk away from the Albert Dock and the start area of the marathon, as well as a short walk to the city centre, so it was just a perfect location.
Picking the mile run numbers up was quick and easy, and much banter exchanged with the staff. We also collected the packets for the two ladies stuck on a coach on the M6. Mel met them later in a coffee shop and was rewarded with good karma and some delicious chocolates :-) There was live music keeping us entertained. I also picked up a so-called 'vanity bib' to celebrate that I had run this race four times.
It was a mercifully short walk from the hotel to the start area. The arena itself was open, with loads of toilets. It was a nice warm morning but I can imagine the arena would be a good place to shelter had the weather been pants. The place was buzzing with runners, as the half marathon was due to start about an hour before the full marathon. As we all walked past the Albert Dock, the live band started playing which was just brilliant - live music. Well this is the rock 'n' roll marathon after all!
The start was crawling with armed police, given the horrific events in Manchester a few days before the race, the organisers were understandably jumpy. It was re-assuring to feel we were being looked after especially given the size of the crowds. In solidatory for Manchester, I was wearing a yellow t-shirt (actually, one of the race t-shirts from Liverpool!) as well as a yellow ribbon pinned to my race bib. There was a well organised bag drop area inside the arena (I had used this in previous years), but didn't need to use that as I was staying so close.
The organisers of the marathon manage the masses of runners extremely well. There was a wave start (with about 10 waves) and a couple of minutes in between each wave. So not a massive wait to get going, but I was able to run at my own pace right from the start.
Crossing the start line we ran past the famous Albert Dock; past the Museum of Liverpool and that strange black building which the locals call 'Darth Vader's retirement home', and Pier Head. As I left the dock area I ran past Mel and the kids and we managed a high five, the kids shouted out at me "go Daddy, I am proud of you!" that was a wonderful moment.
 |
| DJ playing |
The first few miles of the race we started on a pretty depressing dual carriageway, heading towards John Moores University. I remember from previous years that this was on a slight incline, and so easy to overcook it and waste energy. So, right from the start I was doing my run/walk method of 90 second run, 30 seconds walk. We went past a fantastic live band at mile 1, and a DJ at mile 2. This was one of the great things about this race - live music and DJs at pretty much every mile this really keeps the motivation levels up and a fantastic party atmosphere. It also drowns out the negative thoughts which can crop up in a long run!
As we approached mile 3 there was an advertising horde, "Brian Epstein died for you" which I later found out was to do with "50 summers of love", and the role that he had with the Beatles and Sgt. Pepper. Here was the first of the many aid stations, there was plenty of water however my only gripe was every single aid station had ran out of sports drinks. There were half drunk 500ml bottles discarded by the side of the road, so I could see that the faster runners had plenty of supplies but had got through the lot. I hope they order more for next year, as previous years there had been no problems at all. Fortunately, I had my camel bak with a litre of Lucozade in it, but felt sorry for the other runners who had to go without. On a hot day like it was, you need to replace salt and electrolytes, water is of course essential but sports drink really do help.
We then went into the really lovely Stanley park for a lap. Liverpool is a big city but they certainly know how to do parks, the race went through many and they are all really good. At this point I got chatting to a couple of ladies. Ellie was running her first marathon and was over from Hull, and I also got chatting to lady called Julie.
 |
| Chatting with Julie |
We then came past the famous "Shankly gates" of Liverpool FC and past Anfield. It always surprises me how close these two stadiums are!
 |
| Shankly Gates |
 |
| Drumming up that hull! |
At this point we were had done quite a lot of climbing but we were rewarded with a wonderful view across the city, looking towards the River Mersey and the city.
We passed what must have been my favourite 'band on the run' - a group of gents dressed up like the 118 advert - a nod to the fact this was a road race and of course the famous scousers from Harry Enfield.
 |
| "Are you frigging starting, pal!" |
 |
| Mathew Street, birthplace of the Beatles |
There were no barriers to keep the runners separated, so it was a bit interesting with tourists and people worse the wear for drink (from the night before) milling about!
Near the Cavern club are life size statues of John Lennon and Cilla Black, as well as some more 'bands on the run'. To be honest, I wish I'd just walked slowly, there was so much to see and hear!
 |
| Going past the Cavern Club |
We took a left turn and right in front of us was the Liver Building, with the two Liver birds perched on top. A further left turn took us past Albert Dock again, and suddenly we were at the entrance to China Town.
 |
| The impressive entrance to China Town |
This apparently is one of the oldest "China Towns" in the country. I always enjoy this part of the course as the locals come out to cheer you on. I won't mention the incline! On we plodded on a very long straight section of road, heading up towards Prince Park. By now I had clocked up 13 miles and I still felt great, legs feeling a bit on the tired side but nothing too bad. I kept the run/walk going and chatted to people on and off.
 |
| Boating lake in Sefton Park |
The boating lake was really nice and there were loads of people out enjoying the sunshine and tucking into ice creams (I was tempted for a moment to buy one!)
That's one of the things I love about running - you can meet complete strangers and you all help each other out. I found out on facebook later that she had got her 'second wind' a few miles later and completed the race in a very respectable time. Respect to you Ellie on finishing your first marathon!
 |
| The 'Palm House' in Sefton Park |
We left the park for the last time and now it was time to literally 'go round the houses', heading up towards the Aigburth area of Liverpool. The locals were fabulous and had made unofficial water stops as well as hosing off us runners - it was hot and we needed it! Kudos to the people of Liverpool for the top notch support.
A running theme since the start was I kept bumping into a lady who was supporting, she was wearing the same t-shirt as me. I've forgotten her name, but I asked for a selfie anyway and why not! If you now this lady let me know!
There was now a bit of a slog for a mile along the main road. Some more great support from the locals though, who were shouting support from their car windows (at least, it sounded like support... I hope... LOL) and sounding the car horns. All very good natured stuff. The organisers had arranged for another awesome band of drummers which was spot on, just the lift we needed.
Finally we crossed under the road and left this busy road well behind, some very enthusiastic marshal cheered us on and kept us safe. We now entered the final park of the race - Otterspool. There was a slight climb towards the exit at the 22.5 mile point.
 |
| A muriel of Ricky Tomlinson no less! |
Finally we had reached the River Mersey, this was at the 22.5 mile point. The runners took a right turn, and we were on the prom heading back to Pier Head and the finish. In front of us was a 3.5 mile dead straight slog next to the Mersey. The legs continued to co-operate - I was tired for sure, but I could keep the run/walk going. I was beginning now to pass people constantly who had run out of energy, which I found motivated me to keep going.
There were still plenty more 'bands on the run' to keep us all entertained. I really enjoyed listening to them and just dug in for all I was worth.
Suddenly the Echo Arena was in front of me and the finish line. I saw Mel and the kids and managed another high five! I found some hidden reserve of energy and sprinted past people towards the finish line, and I was done! Yes!
I was given my medal (which was awesome, they do the BEST bling here ever), and had my picture taken. I then headed inside the arena to be given a goody bag of crisps, chocolate and drinks as well as pick up my Sgt. Pepper themed t-shirt. I also collected my 'Encore' medal - they gave me a extra medal as I'd ran the race the previous year. At the end was a free concert and a free beer for every finisher (I didn't have it as I don't drink). Mel and the kids had watched Republica play and thoroughly enjoyed it. They had done the mile run which they really enjoyed, and each received a 'yellow submarine' themed medal.
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