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Liverpool is to host the UK’s first ‘Rock and Roll Marathon’.

The council has clinched a deal with US-based company, the Competitor Group, to hold the event, which will have bands playing at every mile along the way.

It is hoped up to 10,000 people will take part as it becomes a regular feature in the summer programme.

Liverpool will be the first UK city to host the full 26-mile race and joins the ranks of Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington DC.

It is expected to attract at least 750 international runners and their families and be a significant boost to the local economy.

VIDEO: Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Festival comes to Liverpool

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Speaking ahead of a launch event at the Liverpool Arena and Convention Centre today, Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: “It is a real coup for Liverpool to have secured the services of the Competitor Group.

“They have a fantastic track record in putting on top-quality, exciting events that have a distinctly local flavour and attract large numbers of competitors and spectators from near and far.

“Liverpool is known the world over for music and sport, and there is nowhere better to bring them both together than our city.”

The event will start and finish at the waterfront and is expected to take in major landmarks along the way including Anfield and Goodison Park.

As well as the bands lining the route, the marathon will be rounded off with a huge rock concert for runners and spectators.

The council hopes to develop the event to run alongside a music festival of its own in future years.

Tom Godfrey, from the Competitor Group, said: “The addition of this event is exciting because we will now be able to offer runners around the world an amazing UK destination.”

Registration will be open from September 5. The event is expected to be held on May 25 next year.