Wirral's independent local news website
The BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K returns to its Spring date next weekend for the 2023 staging of the race.
The 17th staging of the race will take place on Sunday 16 April, starting at 9.30am in Liverpool city centre. The route will then take runners through the Kingsway Tunnel, along the Wirral coastline before finishing in New Brighton.
More than 1,300 entries have already been taken. Places are limited at 1,500 places so registration will close once numbers are at capacity.
The race is the only time throughout the year when people can make their way through the Kingsway Tunnel on foot and run under the River Mersey – making it one of the most unique running events in the country.
The BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K returns to its traditional April date this year. The race has been staged each year since 2006, with the exception of 2020 during the pandemic when there was a break of almost two-and-a-half-years between races.
The race proves popular with runners tapering for the marathon in the capital, those looking for a race with a difference, or others chasing a new 10K personal best.
The point-to-point race starts in Liverpool city centre taking runners straight into the Kingsway Tunnel. The route also includes Seacombe Promenade, Fort Perch Rock and Marine Lake, before finishing on Ian Fraser Walk in New Brighton overlooking the River Mersey.
BTR Liverpool Race Director Alan Rothwell explained, “The BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K always attracts new people coming to experience the race for the first time, alongside regulars who just relish the atmosphere and challenge. It’s a unique race and the only time you can go through the Kingsway Tunnel on foot.
“It’s great to be back at the traditional Spring date. It’s always been regarded as an excellent event for local runners, heading to London the following week, to use the race as a steady taper distance. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the start line on 16 April for another exciting race. Don’t forget to join in with the cheers of oggy oggy oggy along the way – especially as you head through the Tunnel.”
The race record currently stands at 30 minutes 52 seconds, set in 2016 by Dejene Gezimu from Liverpool Harriers AC. He also took first place in 2018 and again last year.
The female record was set in 2019 by Kirsty Longley from Liverpool Pembroke Sefton Harriers in 36 minutes 19 seconds. Kirsty broke the record she had previously set in 2017 by knocking a further 30 seconds off her time.
The largest number of local clubs taking part this year include Kirkby Milers AC, Liverpool Running Club, Mikkeller Running Club, Penny Lane Striders, Rimrose Runners, and Wallasey AC.
Full details and online entry can be found at www.btrliverpool.com
Image: Runners during the 2022 event. Credit: Paul Francis Cooper
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