Stars Set To Shine At RunLiverpool Marathon

17 AUG2011

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: cycling star Chris Boardman, 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 (pictured), 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.

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.

For further information, including details on how you can run for a charity please visit the event website.