With training well underway for the Liverpool half marathon next March, it seems the running scene in the city has surged.
With many people swapping their shoes for running trainers, from Park Runs to the half marathon, it appears that more Liverpool residents are running than ever.
Figures support the notion that Merseyside’s interest in running has seen rapid growth in recent years.
The BTR Liverpool half marathon and Mersey tunnel 10k both sold out in record time, with an estimated 12,000 people ready to participate.
Last year saw 9000 people complete the race. Indicating strong demand and engagement.
This shows a clear rise in Merseyside’s interest in running, as people look for new ways to keep fit.
The Merseyside Sport Active adults survey, in May 2025, reported that 40% of adults used running as a form of staying active in the Liverpool area.
These data points mirror a national trend.
Running participation has increased by 349,000 people in the last 12 months, according to Sport England.
The report adds that women are driving this recent surge with 250,000 more women now running compared to last year.
Running frequency is rising, with 27% of the UK population running one to three times per week according to the SportsShoes Running Report 2025.
The same report indicates that running each week is part of life for 40% of the UK population.
With the growth of larger scale running events, 5K Park Runs are now drawing steady numbers each week all over Liverpool.
Three locations in the Liverpool area all host a parkrun to keep the barrier low for beginners and those returning to activity.
Despite the most common 5k time among runners being 29-30 minutes, according to Sportshoes running report 2025, the range of times reported at these Park Runs shows how inclusive the sport can be.
Finish times vary, reflecting the mix in ability.
Crosby, Croxteth Hall, and Princes Park all host their own regular events ran by volunteers. The appeal of these relaxed, organised events benefits the area as the sport continues to grow.
The latter of which, reports around 500 participants each week.
AussieBoots reported an 108% rise in average monthly google searches for ‘ParkRun’ in Liverpool in 2024. Placing it third nationally for the largest increase in parkrun popularity.
Park Runs are helping to eliminate any potential barriers for new runners, they are free to take part in, with the parks being easily accessible via public transport.
Despite the growth the sport has seen, Merseyside still suffers with high levels of inactivity.
In Sefton, 32.5% of adults do less than 30 minutes of moderate activity a week. With a public health survey ratifying this fact stating that 25% of all Liverpool residents are inactive.
Councils are keen to encourage people to take part in more fitness related activity as they look to tackle the high numbers of people that don’t do enough physical exercise.
Merseyside Sport’s ‘active promise’ campaign partners with public health England, Liverpool councils and clubs to promote sports and being active.
Its goal is to make Liverpool the most active ‘core’ city in England by 2026. By encouraging children and young people to spend less time being inactive and more time being active.
It also aims to get 90% of children and young people aged 5-15 achieving 30 active minutes every day.
Even with these initiatives, it shows that Liverpool is moving. More people are getting out and running, whether that be around their closest park or for a half marathon. Every run adds to the cities shift towards active health.
