THE 2013 Liverpool Marathon –one of the city's showpiece events –has been cancelled.

The race, run in the city since 2009, was due to go ahead in October with more than 4000 runners expected to enter.

But following discussions with Liverpool city council earlier this week, in which concerns over likely disruptions to residents and businesses along the course were raised, organisers Btr Liverpool announced it would be cancelled.

The Post understands the council had raised the possibility of reversing the marathon's existing route so that it would begin in Liverpool city centre before finishing on the Wirral.

Traditionally competitors have started the race at Birkenhead Park, finishing infront of the Pier Head.

Btr Liverpool, however, say that the proposed new route would go against the spirit of the event.

They hope to announce an alternative, Wirral-based event in the next few weeks.

Alan Rothwell, of Btr Liverpool, said: “It just wouldn't seem right to have a marathon in the city and have it end anywhere other than the city centre waterfront.

“We could finish in Sefton Park or somewhere else but is that a true 'Liverpool' marathon?

“Of course we understand that the council has a remit to be mindful of the inconvenience caused by any event like this, especially as the Liverpool section has traditionally been the longest single part of the race.

“It's just hugely disappointing. Our team has spent so long fighting to get a marathon in the city, since 2006 really.

“So to get one, to put one on and to improve it as we have done, and then to have to scrap it like this, it's really disappointing.”