MORE than 3,000 runners are set to take part in the 27th Liverpool Skyline Half Marathon this Sunday.

The 13.1-mile half marathon event, which also includes the fifth annual 10-Mile Road Race. Both races start at 9am from Pier Head Liverpool.

A spokesperson for the event's organisers said: "The current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak which began in December 2019 presents a significant challenge for events across the world and BTR is seeking and following the best current medical advice.

"Our medical resource providers are monitoring the dynamic situation and the current advice is that cancelling events is not necessary.

"To reiterate and further to the Government COBRA meeting of March 12, there is no clear rationale at this time for the cancellation of events.

"As such we fully intend to go ahead with the BTR Liverpool Skyline Half Marathon and BTR 10 Mile Road Race on Sunday.

"We will continue work with our partner agencies, and will keep you updated should the situation change.

"We would ask all participants to be health vigilant while taking part in the race and embrace the usual personal hygiene information which has been promoted by all health authorities in recent weeks."

As part of its commitment to support community projects, race organiser BTR Liverpool is encouraging participants to donate a food item.

Runners taking part in this weekend’s BTR Liverpool Skyline Half Marathon are being encouraged to support local food banks.

A regular on match days at Anfield and Goodison, Fans Supporting Foodbanks will have a collection point at Pier Head Liverpool on race day where runners and spectators can donate non-perishable food items.

Items desperately needed include tinned or long life packet food including tinned fruit, tinned vegetables, tinned cold meats, rice pudding, packet noodles, packet savoury rice, packet mashed potato, long life fruit juice, UHT milk, and teabags.

Dave Kelly from Fans Supporting Food Banks said: "We're delighted to one again be working with BTR Liverpool.

"When we last collected at a BTR race we went away with a full van thanks to the incredible support and huge generosity of the runners.

"If everyone brings along just one item it will make a massive difference to help families in real need."