Liverpool Half Marathon 2013

Finish area is unknown as it's the first time we have been there for a HM. It worked well for the marathon but there were fewer numbers finishing than are expected in the HM. Also the marathon is finished over a longer period of time.

It coped with 8,000 using it as the start for the Santa Dash in December.

I think the capacity of the promenade is more of a problem and if we got 9,000 then we would have to look at a return along the roads. Liverpool City Council would be reluctant to agree to that due to the inconvenience caused to other roads users.

8,000 is the limit this year and we will see how the start / finish area performs.

Medals ordered are based on that figure. Around 400 places left so I expect the race to be full by the end of this week and that's five weeks before race day.

Not had that before. Normaly full by the week before so I suspect I'll have a a high number of phone calls and emails pleading for numbers after this week when we're full.

This will be my 1st race for 7 years, had to stop running due to numerous injuries, managed to get going again, very nervous about picking up another injury at this late stage. otherwise really looking forward to it.

Peter - welcome back. Just carry on doing what you have been doing in your training and you'll be fine. I think you will enjoy the day as it has a really good atmosphere which I think will be enhanced by the new start / finish area at the Pier Head.

Another surge on entries yesterday with another 103 being taken up. I think all 8,000 will have gone by 15th February (official closing date).

Anyone looking in and THINKING of entering then get a move on or you'll miss out.

As part my (slightly insane) plan to do 13 half marathons in 2013, I'll be coming over to Liverpool from the US in March!

Any other Americans going over?

Are there any local St. Patty's celebrations going on that weekend?

If you haven't already entered then I'm afraid it's too late. All 8,000 places have been allocated and we have no more available. This is geat news as we are up again on the 7,600 entries last year and two weeks earlier.

It's fantastic news that its full again. Just another example that people in Liverpool DO WANT TO RUN.

Someone should explain that to the muppet in the Mayoral chair.

Half Marathon has doubled in size from 4,000 to 8,000 over the last four years.

Santa Dash biggest in 9 years last December at 8,500.

Tunnel 10K has increased fro less than 700 when we took it over to 3,500 last year.

The events speak for themselves.

Women's 10K, 5K Team Challenge and Big Heart 5K, declining interest. I think it is because they have specific market appeal - women only, business teams and football supporters.

Well we'll never know... but yes.

Bluenose G - if I thought it would do any good I'd suggest it. Time to move on and focus on what we CAN do rather than what we can't. Couple of interesting ideas already emerging. One you know of (the Wirral HM and 10K) and a couple of new events which don't rely on Liverpool.

I'll keep you all posted as things develop. The marathon was good for two years. Time to move into other areas methinks... there's more to life than a marathon, as disappointing as it has been.

3 weeks from today I'll be flying into the UK for my first international race! It will also be my first visit to Liverpool. It'll be nice to finally have a race away from all of this snow.

No more than I am! Liverpool City Council have a lot to answer for... but they won't answer any questions I put to them regarding their decision to not allow the use of the waterfront roads in a manner that befits the marathon.

There's a saying 'be careful what you wish for' which could translate to 'be careful what you vote for'. Liverpool hastily voted a Mayor in to power who refuses to communicate with major event inthe city. Clearly a marathon has no great appeal to mayor Anderson. Clearly!.