Kev
04-07-2008, 08:18 PM
Although the remaining six events in the 2008 'runliverpool' programme are guaranteed and will go ahead as sheduled this year, it is possible that the initiative will cease in 2009. :nono:
The result will mean there will be no major races in the city other than those organised by local running clubs and other groups. The events affected would be the Half Marathon, Women's 10K, Tunnel 10K, Big Heart 5K, 5K Team Challenge (Corporate Cup), Liverpool 10K and Santa Dash. It would be hugely disappointing if they were to disappear however the financial implications of event delivery in the city are now at an extremely critical point. Whichever way you look at it, event expenditure is now outstripping entry income and sponsorship.
L1310K over the last two - three years has taken responsibility for the delivery of most of the major events in the city. During that time the events have developed well (in terms of numbers) under difficult and trying circumstances. Along the way the Liverpool City Council has abandoned the October 10K and London Marathon Company has been and gone in just two years with the Half Marathon! Generally speaking there is little or no support from any of the local agencies in the city and certainly none from the Culture Company. (Everyone seems to assume they back these events but they don't.) Since the initiative began in 2005 it has had to adhere to the requirements of the emerging (Liverpool) Safety Advisory Group. This group comprises Liverpool City Council Highways Department, Merseyside Police / Emergency Services, Merseytravel and any other agency affected by the delivery of an event that uses the public highway.
The result of having to comply with increasing 'safety related' demands has meant a disproportionate increase in operational costs which have actually outstripped income. The main increases have come in the shape of Full Cost Recovery Policing charges, significantly increased Traffic Management costs and Stewarding costs.
By way of example the recent Half Marathon costs for these three elements alone accounted for £48,000 (including V.A.T.) out of approximately £76,000 entry fee income. It has become quite clear that it is not possible to deliver the remainder of the event on just £28,000. Magnify that by the remaining six events in the portfolio and the problem is self evident. For continued delivery in 2009 it would be necessary to increase entry fees by at least £2 just to keep in line with 'safety related' costs and event expenditure, (assuming of course we are in a position to stage the events next year). It would be a great help if the number of entries increased and more local businesses sponsored or at least supported the events in some way. This is something I am working on constantly. (For the record I would also say at this point that L1310K has no salaried staff and my personal involvement has been on an expenditure basis only). I'm sure there are some of you out there (you know who you are) who believe me to be a very wealthy man on the back of these races. Not a chance.
I have given over the last two years of my time, dedication and commitment to try and develop the fantastic event programme we have in the city. However, there is clearly a limit to what I can do personally without the support of others in the city.
To add insult to injury I have contacted both The Foundation For Sport and Arts and Sport England to see if there is any grant availability to help sustain the initiative but both have stated they are unable to help. So, there is lot of hard work ahead between now and the end of the year and I will continue to develop the events and the initiative as best I can with the resources at my disposal. As runners you can do you bit to support the events in bigger numbers to help ensure their future.
Keep you posted on any developments.
Alan Rothwell
'runliverpool' initiative
The result will mean there will be no major races in the city other than those organised by local running clubs and other groups. The events affected would be the Half Marathon, Women's 10K, Tunnel 10K, Big Heart 5K, 5K Team Challenge (Corporate Cup), Liverpool 10K and Santa Dash. It would be hugely disappointing if they were to disappear however the financial implications of event delivery in the city are now at an extremely critical point. Whichever way you look at it, event expenditure is now outstripping entry income and sponsorship.
L1310K over the last two - three years has taken responsibility for the delivery of most of the major events in the city. During that time the events have developed well (in terms of numbers) under difficult and trying circumstances. Along the way the Liverpool City Council has abandoned the October 10K and London Marathon Company has been and gone in just two years with the Half Marathon! Generally speaking there is little or no support from any of the local agencies in the city and certainly none from the Culture Company. (Everyone seems to assume they back these events but they don't.) Since the initiative began in 2005 it has had to adhere to the requirements of the emerging (Liverpool) Safety Advisory Group. This group comprises Liverpool City Council Highways Department, Merseyside Police / Emergency Services, Merseytravel and any other agency affected by the delivery of an event that uses the public highway.
The result of having to comply with increasing 'safety related' demands has meant a disproportionate increase in operational costs which have actually outstripped income. The main increases have come in the shape of Full Cost Recovery Policing charges, significantly increased Traffic Management costs and Stewarding costs.
By way of example the recent Half Marathon costs for these three elements alone accounted for £48,000 (including V.A.T.) out of approximately £76,000 entry fee income. It has become quite clear that it is not possible to deliver the remainder of the event on just £28,000. Magnify that by the remaining six events in the portfolio and the problem is self evident. For continued delivery in 2009 it would be necessary to increase entry fees by at least £2 just to keep in line with 'safety related' costs and event expenditure, (assuming of course we are in a position to stage the events next year). It would be a great help if the number of entries increased and more local businesses sponsored or at least supported the events in some way. This is something I am working on constantly. (For the record I would also say at this point that L1310K has no salaried staff and my personal involvement has been on an expenditure basis only). I'm sure there are some of you out there (you know who you are) who believe me to be a very wealthy man on the back of these races. Not a chance.
I have given over the last two years of my time, dedication and commitment to try and develop the fantastic event programme we have in the city. However, there is clearly a limit to what I can do personally without the support of others in the city.
To add insult to injury I have contacted both The Foundation For Sport and Arts and Sport England to see if there is any grant availability to help sustain the initiative but both have stated they are unable to help. So, there is lot of hard work ahead between now and the end of the year and I will continue to develop the events and the initiative as best I can with the resources at my disposal. As runners you can do you bit to support the events in bigger numbers to help ensure their future.
Keep you posted on any developments.
Alan Rothwell
'runliverpool' initiative