Local History - Visit some local history websites and get an insight into the areas where you live or visit. Many of the old buildings which you run past, or the grounds which you run through, have a fascinating history. The Liverpool Ranger Service offer a full calendar of events, from five hour guided history walks, to workshops and family days. Most events are free, and I try to list events in the Merseyside Forum. Athletics clubs have some great venues available to them for traffic-free road races, and some hard cross country curcuits.
Runners can even find off-road training routes with some steep hill climbs, and plenty of mud.
The marinas, Albert and Queens Dock, park lakes, canals, and of course the River Mersey, offer a wide rage of watersport activities to anyone looking to get wet. The watersports centre in Liverpool City Centre provides excellent facilities and instruction for canoeing, kayaking, sailing and windsurfing. Environmental Groups - Many outdoor sports in Merseyside rely on the upkeep and preservation of our parks and open spaces. There are a large number of small environmental groups who look after the interests of these places, and should be supported. More and more of our open spaces are sold off to become housing estates or car parks.