Love 2 Run
PLF Annual Running Event
Marathon | Half Marathon | 10K
About the Event
7th June 2025
Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or a first-time participant, this is your chance to achieve something extraordinary with The PLF's first ever marathon event!
It will be 40 years to the weekend since the last Wirral marathon which was on 6th June 1985!
Wirral Coastal Route - Start and Finish at the Historic Fort Perch Rock, New Brighton. Taking in the Iconic Liverpool Skyline and Wirral's Idyllic Coastal Scenery.
What to Expect
- Officially Measured Courses
- Officially Timed Run
- Finishers Medal
- T-Shirt & Goody Bag
- 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place winners cup in each race category for men & women
- Lots of Community Spirit Supporting a Great Cause
For Safety Reasons the following are not permitted
- No dogs
- No prams
- No headphones
Event Information
All 3 routes are to be officially measured in March 2025 and the exact route files will be uploaded at the beginning of April 2025.
In the meantime please see the proposed route description for each run below.
NB // There is a possibility that very minor alterations may occur after the official measurements.
There is no set requirement to fundraise for entry however, should you wish to raise funds for The Paul Lavelle Foundation we would be absolutely delighted! Please see below link to our fund raising pack or feel free to get in touch with the PLF team at contact@love2run.uk
Errors and omissions excepted
Marathon
Start time - 08:30 am
Distance - 26.2 miles
Route Description
Starts at Fort Perch Rock New Brighton. Turn left and head down towards Seacombe Ferry taking in the Liverpool skyline. Here you will turn back on yourself and run past Fort Perch Rock on your right over Marnia Bridge to Harrison drive up towards Moreton. There's a small off road section here of aprox 200m following the coastal line up to Meols past the RNLI station to the end of promenade. Here you will turn back along the costal path taking in the glorious Wirral coastal line, back down past Fort Perch Rock on your left, were you'll carry on down to Egremont Ferry to turn back here and head for the finishing line at Fort Perch Rock.
Half Marathon
Start time - 09:30 am
Distance - 13.1 miles
Route Description
Starts at Fort Perch Rock fast and flat route heading down towards Seacombe Ferry turn around and head back to Fort Perch Rock across Marina Bridge past the clown roundabout up towards Moreton. There is a small off road section 200m here were there'll be a turning point, heading you back to the Finish line at Fort Perch Rock.
10K
Start time - 10:30 am
Distance 6.2 miles
Route Description
Flat and fast route starts at Fort Perch Rock, New Brighton, heads to Seacombe Ferry turnaround point, comes back again with Fort Perch Rock on your right. Over Marina Bridge to the Clown roundabout turn around here and full throttle back to the finish line at Fort Perch Rock!
HISTORY OF FORT PERCH ROCK
Fort Perch Rock is a coastal defence battery built between 1825 and 1829, with the foundation stone being laid in 1826. It was built to protect the Port of Liverpool and proposed as a fortified lighthouse to replace the old Perch Rock Light; however, a separate lighthouse was also built. The fort was built on an area known as Black Rock, and was cut off at high tide. However, coastal reclamation has made it fully accessible.
The Fort covers an area of about 4,000 square yards (3,300 m2) with enough space for 100 men. It was built with red sandstone from the Runcorn quarries. The height of the walls ranges from 24 feet (7.3 m) to 32 feet (9.8 m), and the towers are 40 feet (12 m) high. The Fort originally had a drawbridge, and a Tuscan portal which bore the coat of arms and the words 'Fort Perch Rock'. At one point it was armed with 18 guns, of which 16 were 32-pounders, mounted on platforms. It was nicknamed the 'Little Gibraltar of the Mersey'
We are delighted to have Fort Perch Rock as the start and finish location of our Love2run event 2025!
The Paul Lavelle Foundation
About the Paul Lavelle Foundation
The Paul Lavelle Foundation (PLF) was established in memory of Paul Lavelle, who tragically lost his life to domestic violence at the hands of his partner in May 2017. In the wake of this devastating loss, Paul's friends and family came together to create a charity dedicated to raising awareness of male domestic abuse, supporting male victims and survivors, and promoting healthy relationships as a preventative measure.
While the foundation's primary mission is to support male survivors of domestic abuse and raise awareness that abuse can happen to men as well as women, an equally important part of its work focuses on promoting physical and mental health and wellbeing. This is achieved through outdoor sports, activities, and inclusive community initiatives.
Raising Awareness
One of the foundation's key goals is to highlight the often-overlooked issue of male domestic abuse by sharing Paul's story. Through campaigns and outreach efforts, the PLF aims to challenge stigmas and increase understanding of the challenges male survivors face.
Specialist Support Services
The PLF offers a dedicated therapeutic support service for male victims and survivors of domestic abuse. This service provides a person-centred approach, blending therapy, advocacy, advice, and signposting support to aid in recovery and healing.
Promoting Physical and Mental Wellbeing
To encourage mental and physical health, the PLF runs inclusive weekly Community Activity Groups, including swimming, cycling, running, and walking clubs. These sessions are open to individuals of any ability and operate on a self-referral basis, providing a supportive environment to foster well-being through exercise and connection.
Supporting Children and Young People
The foundation also works to break the cycle of domestic abuse by delivering healthy relationship education workshops to children and young people in schools and colleges. These programmes provide vital tools to recognise and foster healthy relationships, while also supporting young people who have experienced domestic abuse in the family environment.
Fundraising Through Sports and Activities
Annual fundraising events form a cornerstone of the foundation's work, combining sports, family fun, and community spirit to raise funds for its initiatives. These events reflect the foundation's ethos of promoting physical and mental well-being while inspiring people of all ages to reach their full potential.
Through its multifaceted approach, the Paul Lavelle Foundation honors Paul's memory by making a positive impact on the lives of others, fostering awareness, support, and health within the community
