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Photo by Paul Francis Cooper
SUN SHINES ON RETURN OF MERSEY TUNNEL 10K DURING MILESTONE YEAR
The BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K returned on Sunday 26 September after a break of almost two-and-a-half-years due to the pandemic .
The event is the only time throughout the year when people can make their way through the Kingsway Tunnel on foot – making it one of the most unique running events in the country .
Fondly known locally as the ‘ new tunnel ’, it ’ s also a milestone year for the tunnel – June marked the 50th anniversary since it was officially opened by The Queen in 1971 . A total of 1,327 runners completed the 15th staging of the race , which started in Liverpool city centre and finished across the River Mersey in New Brighton . The route also included Seacombe Promenade , Fort Perch Rock and the Marine Lake , before finishing on Ian Fraser Walk with views overlooking the River Mersey .
The race was last staged in April 2019 . It was postponed last year due to Covid-19 restrictions and lockdown . Organisers BTR Liverpool implemented a series of safety measures for race day . Runners were encouraged to take a lateral flow test , as well as pick up their own water , medals , T-shirts and refreshments from tables to minimise contact with others .
Next year ’ s event date has been confirmed as Sunday 11 September 2022 – entries are open now at www . btrliverpool . co . uk .
Joseph Boden from Wallasey AC won the race finishing in 32 minutes 8 seconds . Second place was Jack McVann running for Hillingdon AC 34 minutes 27 seconds , with Francois Rafferty from Southport & Waterloo AC taking third place with a time of 34 minutes 35 seconds .
First place female was Fay Hughes from UTS Run Club finishing in 38 minutes 1 second . Second place was Carmel Edwards from BTR Road Runners in 39 minutes 22 seconds , with Felicity Newton taking third place in 42 minutes 48 seconds .
It was a case of déjà vu for female winner Fay and second place Carmel – who both took the same podium places in the BTR Liverpool Skyline Half Marathon just two weeks ago . The race was started by regular BTR event runner Bex Dennehy from Crosby . It was the first race back for Bex after completing chemotherapy treatment . She proudly wore Race Number 1 and sounded the horn to start the race before joining in .
The four most senior runners on the day were aged between 75 and 82 – Marie Watson aged 75 from Liverpool ; 79-year-old Dorothy Fairhurst from St Helens ; Reg Armstrong aged 81 from Wirral ; and Phil Humphreys from Wirral aged 82 .
Sarah Benyon from Wirral completed the race in a wheelchair , and was raising money for Claire House Children ’ s Hospice .
The Mersey Tunnel 10K returned to the North West race calendar in 2006 at the request of the Mersey Tunnels , with BTR Liverpool taking on the mantle to organise and deliver the event . BTR Liverpool is the leading independent organisation for creating , managing and delivering headline race events across Liverpool City Region .
BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell commented : “ The return of the BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K after 18 months was everything we were hoping for – the sun even come out to shine on the runners as they crossed the finish line . The atmosphere on tunnel race day always feels a little bit different to our other races , there is a heightened anticipation especially with some running through the tunnel for the first time . We also have regulars who make it an annual pilgrimage . That ’ s what makes this race incredibly unique , you can ’ t do this any other time except on race day . A big thank you to our volunteer teams who make the race day experience very special for everyone taking part . Well done to 4 Coy Merseyside Army Cadet Force , Dockside Runners , Everton in the Community , and a dedicated group of helpers from across the Merseyside running community who always lend a hand when they ’ re not running themselves .”
Next up in the BTR event portfolio is Everton in the Community ’ s ' If You Know Your History 5K ' on Sunday 10 October . This is followed by two Wirral events – the new Off Road 8 Miler at Thurstaston on Saturday 16 October , and the BTR Wirral 10 Miler and 10K on Sunday 31 October .
The final BTR event of 2021 is the festive spectacular Appreciate Group Liverpool Santa Dash on Sunday 5 December .
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