Liverpool half marathon: Runner 'immensely proud' of consecutive race feat

Stephen Symons has taken part in Liverpool's half marathon every year since it started

A runner who has completed every Liverpool half marathon since it began in 1994 said he was "immensely proud" to continue his streak for a 31st consecutive year.

Stephen Symons, 58, completed the latest event on Sunday.

Mr Symons, who is a member at Salford's Quays Running Club, said he has had various proud moments over the last 30 years.

He first entered the marathon in Liverpool as his home city of Manchester did not have a race.

"The very first one started at Liverpool's Festival Gardens which was a big attraction, plus at the time Manchester did not have a half marathon so I chose to enter Liverpool," he told the BBC.

Mr Symons said officially starting the race alongside Wigan-born double World Championship medallist Jenny Meadows for its 25th year anniversary was a "real honour".

"It's been a big part of my running journey over the years and means a lot when I look back over all the memories," he said.

"The good runs, the not so good ones, the special friends I have made."

Mr Symons was given the number 31 race number

For Mr Symons the Liverpool half has played a significant part in overcoming one of the most difficult times of his life.

In November 2012, he suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage while out on a run.

"I suddenly felt a sudden pain in my head," he recalled.

"My neck went really stiff and I felt really faint but managed to walk home and told my partner. I didn't feel well at all and I passed out."

He was taken to hospital and after a few weeks he was allowed to go home and went through a challenging period of rest for a number of months.

His streak of finishing the event looked to be in jeopardy but in March 2013, with the help of his partner Miranda and brother Michael, he crossed the finish line in Liverpool which he described as his most rewarding run.

Mr Symons (far right) and the Quays Running Club post-race in 2024

"I take a lot of positives from the experience and will forever be thankful to Salford Royal for the care they gave me," he said.

The Salford-based runner has returned to a normal life which, of course, has meant a return to running regularly.

"I feel really lucky to have overcome something as tough as a brain haemorrhage. It was a real shock, but I have also been able to help raise awareness as this sort of thing can happen to anyone at any time."

Mr Symons, who has inspired others from his running club to participate in the annual Merseyside event, improved on last year's time and said he was already looking forward to next year.

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