Navy News
Direct from the front-line, the official newspaper of the Royal Navy, Navy News, brings you the latest news, features and award winning photos every month.
The Eaglet has run it: Reservists complete Liverpool half marathon for charities
28 March 2025
Sixteen Liverpool-based reservists pounded the streets of the Mersey city to help causes close to their hearts.
A team from the city’s own naval unit, HMS Eaglet, plus Royal Marines from RMR Mersey and 156 Regiment RLC lined up among 12,000 runners for the Liverpool Half Marathon.
Driving the military athletes on beyond unit pride and inter-Service banter was the determination to raise money for the Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity and Tom Harrison House, a Liverpool-based charity helping veterans dealing with addiction and mental health issues.
Starting and finishing at the iconic Liver Building, heading through the city centre, past the cathedral, then around Sefton Park before heading to the riverbank and a four-mile home stretch along the waterfront past the Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead, where sections of the new Type 26 frigates could be seen, the rear of Eaglet and finally Royal Albert Dock to the sound of drummers and cheers as the race was completed.
The team comprised seasoned and established distance runners through to half-marathon rookies.
We did it! The Liverpool Half Marathon has showcased what it means to be a Reservist and serve in the Royal Navy.
Pictures credit to Wayne Goodman / www.instagram.com/WayneGoodmanPhoto
AB Ryan White was the first Eaglet over the line in 1h 32m 59s, followed by team captain and fundraising lead Lt Cdr Mark Driscoll nearly six minutes behind and Lt Nicholas Hargreaves who clocked in just over 1h 40m.
Officer Cadet Pippa Rielly – also running her first distance race – set herself a target of finishing under three hours… and came home with 25 minutes to spare.
And jogging her way into retirement was HMS Eaglet’s Commanding Officer, Cdr Judith Barnes, as she took part in what would be her last activity as a member of the Royal Navy – and very first distance race.
“We did it! The Liverpool Half Marathon has showcased what it means to be a Reservist and serve in the Royal Navy,” Cdr Barnes said.
“We’ve trained hard, supported each other and worked as a team to achieve our goal of completing the race and raising funds for two very worthy charities.
“I’d like to thank everyone who cheered us across the line and who has given so generously to our fundraiser.”
Their efforts raised more than £4,300 – with Gift Aid donations that will surpass £5k – which will be split equally between the charities.