MORE than 8,000 runners filled the streets of Liverpool as this year’s half marathon took place in the city.

In the biggest ever Liverpool Half Marathon, 8,400 people took on the 13 mile course starting and finishing at the Pier Head.

The race was officially started by Eddie Mountford, from Woodchurch, Wirral, who will be 90 next month.

Eddie, who cannot take part in races any more due to health reasons, has run 30 marathons.

He said: “It’s been absolutely fantastic today, it’s the best experience I've ever had.”

Zoe Evans, 35, and Karmine Van Tonder, 27, took part in the race dressed in inflatable sumo wrestler costumes in aid of the Stroke Association.

Stroke physio Karmine, who works at the Royal Liverpool Hospital, said: “We had done miles and miles of training but not with the costumes on. We were quite hot in them!”

Zoe, who works at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, said: “The last mile was great because it was just a brilliant atmosphere.”

Mark King, who set up the Oliver King Foundation after his 11-year-old son died of Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS), said 12 runners had taken part in the race in support of the foundation.

He said: “It’s really important for us to raise awareness for the campaign and we’d like to thank everyone who ran for us today.”

Other runners included members of Sefton Park cricket club who ran in memory of Alex Miller, 24, who was found dead in his Liverpool home in December last year.

They were raising money for charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (Calm).

Former Marine Andy Grant, 24, from Orrell Park, who had his leg amputated after he was injured by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan took part to raise money for Help for Heroes.

He completed the course in just under two hours.

Winner of the men’s race was Josh Lilly, 27, from Manchester, with a time of one hour and six minutes.

Linda Howell , from Birmingham, was the fastest woman.