THE FINAL COUNTDOWN?
Welcome to 2025 everyone and, just before we take a look ahead, can I take a quick look back at what was an incredible 2024. We got off to a great start with entries more than doubling in the half marathon and we finished with another big increase in the Santa Dash. In the middle we had ongoing successes with all the events in the main so overall I was really happy with 2024.
Now looking ahead to 2025 it is clear that half marathon success is still ongoing with more than 8,000 entries by the end of 2024 which is significantly up on last year - and the 500 available places in the 10 Mile Road have been taken up by the start of 2025.
Amazing! So it is already looking promising for another exceptional year and long may it continue.
As those of you who know me will appreciate, I am always looking to improve the quality and range of the BTR events and, as I approach what may well be my final year at the helm, I can assure you that I am still working away in the background to bring you the very best of race and fun run events.
This time last year I posted an article about my pending retirement and that story is also ongoing. I am still looking at stepping down some time soon but I won't be leaving altogether whatever the 'escape plan' I come up with.
What I am looking for is a way to share the wider responsibilities of event planning and delivery and that thought process is ongoing. Rest assured that none of the events will be affected if/ when I do manage to step aside because that is factored in. None of the events will be under threat although there may a change of ownership of the Winter Series 5K races later this year but more on that as and when confirmed.
I would like to think that as we go through the year I can give you regular updates on event developments which will only enhance the race programme on Merseyside.
The final countdown? A definite maybe!!
RUN. RACE. ENJOY.
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Alan
Race Director, BTR
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FIRST AND LAST MARATHON!
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Well 2025 is shaping up to be a year of both change and challenge for me as I look to further my retirement plans and review the BTR portfolio of events this year. The change is already underway (and more on that as we work our way through the year)... and now the challenge has landed on my doorstep. Yep, I've got a charity place in the London Marathon this year.
Now many of you will know that over the years I managed to run a good number of marathons between 1981 and 2007 but the last one I did was London 18 years ago (!!) and I've not even attempted one since. In 2007 I didn't quite have a Steve Redgrave moment but I did say that it was unlikeley I would ever do one again... however, if I was looking at a final hurrah then I think it is now to tie in with my retirement plans over the next 12 months.
So there you have it. I've committed and I'm in for one last time and I couldn't have a better running mate than my youngest daughter Abbie. Yeah, she's been reeled in as well and serve her right for having a level of curiosity about this magical distance that meant she has 'agreed' to do it with me.
So, the story is we will be running as FIRST and LAST with it being her first marathon (she's only ever run 10K before) and most definitely my last marathon. We will be running for local charity Claire House and I will be setting up a JustGiving page so any help from the local running community will be a great source of inspiration to keep me going until the big day. I'll give you updates along the way and let's see if I drag myself around London for one last time.
Wish me luck.
Alan
Race Director, BTR