Byline: John Siddle
SPORTS drinks will now be provided at next month's Liverpool Marathon, after organisers struck an 11thhour deal with a wholesaler.
Race directors confirmed the deal - to supply 18,000 bottles of energy drinks - after amateur runners raised concerns over adequate hydration.
The isotonic drinks - provided in tens of thousands at the London Marathon and Great North Run - are designed to quickly replace fluids lost through exercise. your EMAIL us @dailypost.or write to 48, Old Hall Liverpool Alan Rothwell, of race organisers Run Liverpool, said: 'I am delighted to confirm that it has been possible to arrange a deal with local wholesaler Costco to provide 18,000 bottles of Gatorade for competitors in this year's race, which will be placed at three locations in the latter stages of the marathon course.'
Run Liverpool had attracted criticism from the racing community for only providing water, despite a pounds 48 entry fee.
Lesley Iwanejko, a lecturer in molecular biology at John Moores university, feared runners could collapse through exhaustion.
Ms Iwanejko, from Crosby, who is running her second marathon, said she was pleased a deal had been reached.
She said: 'It's great news.
views letters co.uk, PO Box Street, L69 3EB 'I'm delighted drinks will be provided and this is the icing on the cake of what I'm sure will be a fantastic event.
'The marathon has the potential to show Liverpool at its finest. It should be a great day for all.'
Despite organisers' best attempts, three energy drink brands refused to sponsor the event in return for supplies.
One refused to even sell bottles to Run Liverpool.
Mr Rothwell said runners would also have the opportunity to buy discounted 'recovery drinks' at the finish line.
He said: 'We have water at 11 points along the course with three energy drink stations and two gel stations.
'At the finish, there is also Lipton's Iced Tea and For Goodness Shakes recovery drink.'
The Liverpool Marathon takes place on October 9 with four main charities - Scope, Marie Curie, the 23 Foundation and Roy Castle Foundation - set to benefit.
The first of its kind in the city for 18 years, 9,000 runners of all abilities will take on a course that runs from Birkenhead to Liverpool through the original Mersey Tunnel.
The route passes in the shadow of the Three Graces, through Liverpool One, and Sefton and Princes parks.
your views EMAIL us at letters @dailypost.co.uk, or write to PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool L69 3EB
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