Pensby runner takes first place in Mersey Tunnel 10k race

Runners sprung into action over the weekend for the 17th staging of the popular race.

The point-to-point race returned to its traditional Spring date for the first time since before Covid, proving popular with those gearing up for this weekend’s London Marathon.

A start line featuring 1,200 runners gathered in Liverpool city centre on Sunday (April 16), before they made their way into the Kingsway Tunnel to run under the River Mersey.

Runners taking part in the Mersey Tunnel 10k 2023 race (Image: Paul Francis Cooper)

The BTR Mersey Tunnel 10k 2023 was won by Ben Taylor from Pensby Runners who completed the race in a time of 34 minutes and 17 seconds.

BTR Liverpool Race Director Alan Rothwell said: “Congratulations to our 1,200 participants – including two wheelchair racers – who completed this year’s BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K. All pushing on through the wind and rain to collect their well-earned medals.”

Second place was Derri Henderson from Kirkby Milers AC in 34 minutes 45 seconds, with Matthew Gawne from Altrincham And District Athletic Club in 34 minutes 54 seconds.

Runners made their way into the Kingsway Tunnel to run under the River Mersey (Image: Paul Francis Cooper / BTR)

Lisa Gawthorne took first place female in 38 minutes 3 seconds representing Liverpool Pembroke & Sefton Harriers AC.

Alison Reid from Northern Masters Athletic Club took second place in 41 minutes 54 seconds, with third place going to Donna McKenna from Penny Lane Striders in 42 minutes 11 seconds.

The race also include two wheelchair participants, Sarah Benyon from Wirral and Roger Mercer from Chester.

A start line featuring 1,200 runners gathered in Liverpool city centre on Sunday (Image: Paul Francis Cooper)

The day’s most senior runners were aged between 73 and 82-years-old.

Runners also included a team of 31 from Rainford High School in St Helens, raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of a colleague.

The largest turn-out of runners from local clubs included Kirkby Milers AC, Liverpool Running Club, Mikkeller Running Club Liverpool, Penny Lane Striders, Rimrose Runners, and Wallasey AC.

Finishers were then presented with a commemorative medal and bespoke technical running T-shirt to mark their achievement.

Thumbs up from a runner taking part in the Mersey Tunnel 10k race (Image: Paul Francis Cooper)

Mr Rothwell added: “BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K is unique. There is always a brilliant atmosphere, with plenty of oggy oggy oggy chanting between the runners to spur each other along. A big thank you to everyone who took part, the spectators, and excellent volunteer teams from Everton in the Community, LFC Foundation, and Liverpool Running Bugs.

“We’re delighted the race is back in its traditional Spring date and the week before the London Marathon. Next year’s date is already confirmed as 14 April 2024 – entries are open now.”