liverpoolThe Rock ‘n’ Roll series is a whole weekend of running, with a 5k on Saturday, a half and full marathon on Sunday and a mile fun run Sunday afternoon. If you love music – this is one to do, with local bands offering on course entertainment and a finish line festival – this year’s headline act was 90s favourite Republica.

There were seven of us from club that rocked Liverpool this year – a huge well done to everyone ❤️ This was my third year running (literally).

Before the RaceIMG_6079
20,000 runners taking part – Liverpool was busy. The half marathon had a 9 am start (put back to 9.15), once they were out of the way we headed to the start line for a 10 am start.

Due to the attack in Manchester in the week leading up to the marathon there was a minute’s silence before each race and competitors were asked to wear yellow ribbons. Security had been amped up with the event being heavily policed – we couldn’t resist a photo opportunity with men in uniform! (Thank you guys, you do an awesome job keeping us all safe).

The Route
The first half takes you out to the Liverpool and Everton football grounds – all the men were stopping to take selfies by the Anfield gates. We then headed back to the city centre, passed the famous Cavern club and through China town.

It then loops back out of the city through Sefton Park, at mile 18 you hit Penny Lane – the song is played on a loop for the duration of the race, and no, I didn’t see the barber shop showing photographs of every head he’s had the pleasure to know!  The last 4 miles take you along the Albert Dock before finishing back at the echo arena.

It is by no means a flat route. But it is enjoyable and a great one for spectators.

During the Race
I love Liverpool – it is one of my favourite cities, the course is like a sight seeing tour and the people are so friendly. My one negative is those last 4 miles along the docks – I find them boring, there are big sections with no crowd and there are cobbled bits in places. Maybe because by mile 22 you are tired – it seems to be a long straight stretch that goes on forever… then you approach the finish and it is absolutely BUZZING. 

I was hoping to make it back in time for Republica – I could hear them singing ‘Ready to go’ as I was running to the finish… by that point I was ready to go home!

Due to the heat I was also suffering from the worst underarm / sports bra chafing I have ever had. Typing this blog post nearly a week on – I’m still suffering – pass the sudocrem.

The Result
4.37.59 – I ran 4.34 last time in Liverpool. But happy with that as it was a warm day – I don’t remember Liverpool being that hilly!

The Medals
Aren’t they fab? A quick explanation into the medal structure.
The encore medal – you get that if you also ran the race the previous year. If you run the 5k on Saturday and the half / full Sunday then you also get a  Remix medal, add in the mile and there is the chance to come away with 5 medals! AND THEY ARE GLITTERY 🙂

Now…. where is that early bird email to enter again for next year….

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Race Breakdown:IMG_5909
Entry Cost: £35.00 (early bird entry)
Water stations: 11 (sports bottles towards the end). Hi-5 gels. Beer at the finish.
Parking: Plenty and good transport links
Photos: Yes (and I look half decent in a couple of them)
Baggage Facilities: Yes – didn’t use
Post-Race Goodies: T-shirt / medal / water / crisps / haribo / banana / finish line pint
Highlights: The music. The medals. The people.
Low points: The heat.