A half marathon and 10k run has returned to Southport following a seven year gap.
Adventure Coast Southport worked with Xmiles to host this year’s Epic Events Southport half marathon and 10k on Sunday, January 4.
Epic Events is an activity organisation who have been operating and holding events in the North West for about 15 years, aiming to keep people fit and healthy.
They originally set up the Southport marathon in 2013 but this year was the first time the marathon had been held in the town since before the first Covid lockdown in 2019.
The marathon was the first of the year in Merseyside, and this year included a new route, including views of the coast, along the promenade, under the pier and around Marine Lake and Kings Garden.
Despite the unexpected snow and icy roads, over 1,000 runners took part and a number of people came down to Adventure Coast to show their support.
One of the Founders and event managers of Epic Events, Rob Macleod, spoke about how he felt the turn out was positive for a comeback race.
He said: “When we use to operate the event back in 2019, the last time we did it, I think we had 2,600, that was in summer as well so you do get a bigger attendance but we’d love to build it up over the next couple of years and get it up towards 2,000 hopefully.”
He said changing the event to January was a tactical decision in hopes to support Southport and get more people into the town, since they are continuing to rebuild their community after the 2024 stabbings.
Macleod said: “One of the reasons we’ve done it in winter is to do it out of season and try and get people back into Southport, when its not the summer season and not the school holidays.
“To get people back into the town when its relatively quiet, I think it drawers people in.
“I’m relatively local myself, only living in Ormskirk, so you kind of feel that connection.
“Working with Adventure Coast, just bringing something different, I think just trying to get people out there enjoying themselves and realising that they know that Southport still here.”
All participants were given a medal as they crossed the finish line and the day ended with an awards ceremony, with the three fastest from each category receiving a trophy.
Epic Events goals for the new year are to attract and support more small towns in the Northwest and to get more young adults involved.
Feature image: Megan Rogers-Jones
