'it's disappointing to see our event targeted in this way'

THE EVENT ORGANISERS SAID THIS ISN'T THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED 15:33, 01 Feb 2025 Organisers of a popular Merseyside event have said they are “disheartened” after scammers

targeted their event. Alan Rothwell, from events company Born To Run, is part of the team responsible for delivering Liverpool’s annual Half Marathon. The course is returning once again this

year in March, with runners gearing up in the hopes of logging a personal best time. The event is incredibly popular with runners, and with its timing before the London and Manchester

marathons, many are able to use it as a chance to test their progress. Other athletes use the race as a personal challenge to test themselves over a longer distance, and some participate to

raise funds for charities. The event will take over the city on Sunday, March 23, and, as usual, it will start at 9 am. The 10 and 13.1-mile races have both sold out already, with thousands

expected to descend on the city. However, Alan claims fraudsters have attempted to scam people out of money in Facebook groups by pretending to sell entry spaces. He told the ECHO: “It’s

really disappointing and disheartening to learn that scammers are once again targeting the success of a BTR race to target innocent, unassuming people who have missed out on race places and

are trying to find an entry in good faith. Article continues below “This year’s BTR Liverpool Half Marathon has sold out at 12,000 places with two months to go, which includes 500 runners in

the 10 miler – making it the biggest start line number since the race was first staged in 1994. Last year, we sold out at 9,000 places with three weeks to go, the highest number since 2013.

“We had a similar issue last year after entries closed, and we made people aware, asking them to be on their guard and not part with any money. Again we strongly urge people not to respond

to places for sale on social media. Article continues below "We’re full to capacity and unable to release any more places, and we do not permit race transfers. Please do not fall victim

to unscrupulous individuals trying to take advantage.” This year marks the 31st anniversary of what was originally known as the Liverpool International Half Marathon in 1994. With the city

now a firm visitor destination with people from across the world, the event attracts runners from far and wide. If you have already signed up, you will receive your race pack around two

weeks before the race date.