FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Stars Come Out In Support Of October's Runliverpool Marathon
A growing number of celebrities have signed up to support the new
RunLIverpool Marathon which is taking place in the city on October 9, with
many acting as ambassadors for the event, as well as backing their own
chosen charities.
Famous faces In the field of 12,000 runners will include sportsmen;
British Olympic gold medal winner Steve Smith, 400m British record holder
Iwan Thomas, and Paul O'Neill, British Touring Cars driver.
Television celebrities include Wirral actress Suzanne Collins who is
supporting Diabetes UK, Big Brother star and presenter Craig Phillips, who
will run for The Alzheimer's Society and actress and broadcaster Phina
Oruche who will jointly support Liverpool Unities and Alzheimer's
charities.
The region's media have also championed the race with teams from BBC Radio
Merseyside, BBC North West Tonight led by presenter Ranvir Singh and the
city's Juice FM Breakfast Show crew taking part in the race.
Speaking about his involvement with the event, Craig Phillips commented:
"It is fantastic that Liverpool finally has its own marathon. I will be
pulling my running shoes out of the back of my wardrobe to take part in
this exciting event, along with my girlfriend Laura and sister Beverly.
The last marathon I took part in was in London, ten years ago, and I made
the unfortunate mistake of not training. Some very sore muscles later, I
learnt my lesson, and will make sure I am fully prepared for the
RunLiverpool Marathon.
I am proud to be running for The Alzheimer's Society, a cause that is very
close to my heart as my mum suffers from it. The RunLiverpool Marathon is
a great opportunity to raise money for charity, get fit and enjoy yourself
while taking part!"
The massed ranks of marathon runners will gather in Birkenhead Park in
October to take part in the first major marathon on Merseyside for nearly
twenty years. The route takes in many well know areas of Wirral and
Liverpool before finishing in the shadow of the 'Three Graces' on the
city's Pier Head.
Local World Cycling Supremo Chris Boardman has been suitably impressed,
saying:
"The return of the Marathon to Merseyside will create an unbelievable
atmosphere that will be enjoyed by runners and spectators alike.
Hosting the start in Birkenhead Park is a brilliant idea and I'm sure that
many thousands of people will be struck by the quality of the environment
in the park, which is ideal for this kind of mass participation event.
Wirral is a great backdrop for the marathon and the stretch from New
Brighton back toward Birkenhead is going to be such an inspiration!
With 12,000 runners on the start line it's going to be a sensational day of
sport and I wish each and every one of them the very best of luck".
The RunLiverpool Marathon offers significant opportunities for charities to
enter runners in the event and to raise money through sponsorship.
The event is expected to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for a wide
number of good causes including the nominated official charities Scope,
Marie Curie Cancer Care, 23 Foundation and The Roy Castle Lung Cancer
Foundation who will also benefit from the inaugural long-distance running
event.
Cherie Blair, Patron of Scope, the disability charity said:
"As a patron of the disability charity Scope and a proud Liverpudlian,
I am delighted that Scope is one of the official charities for the 2011
Liverpool Marathon. I am sure the event will be a huge success, and I wish
everyone all the best for their training over the summer, and of course the
run on the day itself."
Alan Rothwell, RunLiverpool Marathon Race Director, commented:
"We've been overwhelmed at the interest in this, the city's inaugural
Marathon - everyone has been massively positive and supportive. From day
one we have had a number of celebrities who have championed and promoted
the race, giving up their spare time to spread the message that the
Marathon is making a welcome return after two decades.
We hope that their involvement will prompt people to enter and run either
for one of the official charities or simply a good cause that's close to
their heart - charities rely on the public's goodwill and support and no
matter the size of the sum raised by a runner, every penny counts."
Over 9,000 runners are now signed up to the road race, drawing interest
from all corners of the globe, and attracting runners from as far as
Australia and the US.
For further information, including details on how you can run for a charity
please visit www.runliverpoolmarathon.co.uk
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