Thousands of runners enjoy perfect running conditions, Cast rocks finish line concert at Echo Arena
LIVERPOOL - 29 May 2016 - With ideal running temperatures and sunny skies, the 3rd annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Liverpool Marathon & 1/2 Marathon crowned two defending champions in the men’s and women’s marathons. Robert Pope finished first with a time of 2:27:15, and female winner Joanne Nelson won with a time of 3:00:59.
Image Credit Ryan Bethke
"It was amazing, I’m very surprised that it turned out as well as it did," said Pope, who ran with a panda on his headband to raise awareness for the World Wildlife Fund.
"I loved it, absolutely fantastic. The weather was great and the crowds were great all the way around," added Nelson. "This race has a bit of everything; it’s not an easy course with some undulations and it’s beautiful through the parks. The crowds we’re really, really good today and it was super well organized. It was brilliant."
In the half marathon, Ethiopian Degene Geziumo was first across the finish line along the River Mersey, winning the 13.1-mile race in 1, hour, 9 minutes and 44 seconds.
"It was very good today with no rain, no wind and not hot. I’m very happy to win," said Gezimu, who lives in Liverpool and runs with Liverpool Harriers & Athletic club. "I love living in Liverpool and I’m very thankful to the Harriers for supporting me. I’m very proud to win for them."
Local runner Helen Sahgal won the women’s half marathon in 1:24.
"The race was fantastic. Great support along the course and brilliant atmosphere," said Sahgal, who was competing in just her third half marathon. "With this event you get fast club runners, you get fun runners and charity runners all coming together and just having a great time. That’s what it’s all about."
The 3rd Rock ‘n’ Roll Liverpool Marathon & 1/2 Marathon weekend welcomed more than 16,000 entrants from 54 countries. Both races started and finished along Liverpool’s waterfront, featuring scenic views of the stunning docks, rich architecture, spectacular museums and historic commercial districts with live bands performing along each mile of the race course.
The event featured a post race concert headlined by English rock band Cast. The weekend’s schedule of events also included the Rock ‘n’ Roll 5K on Saturday, which was voted as the UK’s Best Fun Run 5k. The fourth annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Liverpool Marathon weekend is set for 27-28 May, 2017.
For complete results, photos and more visit RunRocknRoll.com.
Know someone else who's interested in running and triathlon?
