Liverpool Marathon: Thousands take part

The race began in Birkenhead Park at 09:30 BST

More than 5,000 people have taken to the streets of Merseyside for the annual Liverpool Marathon.

The race began at Birkenhead Park in Wirral at 09:30 BST before competitors headed through the Queensway Tunnel and into Liverpool city centre.

The 26-mile route continued around the streets of Liverpool before finishing at Mann Island on the waterfront.

People taking part in the Run Wirral 10km race also followed the beginning of the marathon's course.

Several roads were closed for the event, including along the Liverpool waterfront, which was expected to be closed to traffic until at least 16:00 BST.

Other roads along the route reopened once all runners had passed through.

Last year's Liverpool Marathon was the city's first in 18 years.