Liverpool Women's 10K Run

The Liverpool Women's 10K Run (6.2 miles) is one of the largest women-only running events of its kind with a record 3,543 entrants coming to Liverpool from all over the United Kingdom in 2001.

In the early 1980's there was a massive void in the sport of athletics in that women-only events simply did not happen, and in many respects the mere notion was frowned upon; the Liverpool Women's 10K Run was welcomed as innovative and ground-breaking. The event satisfied the need expressed by women wishing to participate in a sport traditionally dominated by men.

Such has been the success of the Liverpool Women's 10K Run that a number of running clubs have developed women's sections, producing athletes of county and international stature, something that would have been unimaginable in the early 1980's.

In excess of £150,000 has been raised for local charities by runners of all abilities: from international runners vying for the title of national champion, to first-time runners generating sponsorship for a host of local charities. The majority are fun runners taking part in a mass-participation event whilst improving their health and sense of well being.

Now in its sixteenth year the Liverpool Women's 10K Run has enjoyed the benefits of working in partnership with commercial sponsors over the years, and from the initial partnership with Mersey Regional Health Authority in 1987 the event has continued its association with a wide and varied range of partners.

Objectives of the Liverpool Women's 10K Run

· To promote a quality women-only running event

· To offer an affordable, accessible and regular form of recreational exercise, leading to a healthier lifestyle and better quality of life for both residents and visitors to the City.

· To increase levels of personal fitness and encourage female participation in sport

· To help local charities through the medium of running

· To create partnerships between public and private sectors

· To promote a positive image of the City of Liverpool

· To promote Liverpool as a tourist destination, bringing people to the city from all over Great Britain and Europe
Partners Involved

Liverpool City Council, Merseyside County Athletics Association, Northern Counties Athletics Association; commercial sponsors, Merseyside Police, Penny Lane Striders Athletics Club, Liverpool Echo, Radio Merseyside.

Event Operation

The Liverpool Women's 10k Run takes place annually in May. The 10 kilometre/ 6.2 mile course starts and finishes in Sefton Park, one of the finest Victorian Parks in the country, taking the runners by many Liverpool landmarks including the Anglican Cathedral.

In conjunction with Merseyside Police the entire route is subject to a road closure, ensuring the safe passage of the runners. Local athletics clubs and colleges of further education supply over 100 experienced marshals to give runners directions and offer liquid refreshment at the three water stations along the route.

Ambulances and paramedic crews are on standby and a local radio communications group is sited at strategic points, relaying details back to the commentary unit in the finish area.

Runners receive a quality, specially cast medal, commemorative coffee mug and/or T-shirt. There is a subsidy for the un-waged and unemployed, making the Liverpool Women's 10K Run undoubtedly one of the best value-for-money events in the country.

Values/Outcomes

In the 1997 Merseyside Tourism Awards the Liverpool Women's 10K Run won the Silver Medal Winner in the Event of the Year category, narrowly missing out on first place to a very successful art exhibition held over a number of weeks. However, this effectively made the Liverpool Women's 10K the sports event of the year.

Extensive market research shows that many women, for many years participated only in this event, as they felt comfortable in what they considered to be their own event. The Events Management Unit organises three of the largest running events in the country, with runners entering not only this event, but also the Liverpool Corporate Cup Run and the City of Liverpool 10K Road Race.