MORE than 2,000 runners are set to take part in this weekend's Mersey Tunnel 10k.
The event returns on Sunday (April 14) with more than 2,200 runners already signed up – almost double last year’s numbers.
It’s the only time throughout the year when people can make their way through the Kingsway Tunnel on foot while at the same time running under the River Mersey which runs between Liverpool and Wirral.
The race starts in Liverpool city centre, before runners head into the Kingsway Tunnel. After emerging on the Wirral side, runners make their way to Seacombe Promenade, Fort Perch Rock and Marine Lake.
The finish line is on Ian Fraser Walk in New Brighton.
The Mersey Tunnel 10K returned to the North West running calendar in 2006 at the request of Mersey Tunnels, with BTR Liverpool taking on the mantle to organise and deliver the event.
It has since taken place annually with the exception of 2020 when there was a break of almost two-and-a-half-years between races due to the pandemic. Post pandemic, the race was staged in September both in 2021 and 2022. Last year the race returned to a Spring date.
The charities will be represented on the day by runners or volunteer teams.
Overseas runners taking part have travelled from Ireland, Norway, Switzerland, and the USA.
Local running clubs with the largest numbers taking part include Birkenhead Running Club, Knowsley Harriers AC, Liverpool Running Club, Mikkeller Running Club, Penny Lane Striders, Rimrose Runners, and Wallasey AC.
This year’s entries sees registrations for senior runners ranging in age from aged 74 to 85-years-old.
The event is organised by BTR Liverpool, whose race portfolio includes the Port Sunlight Road Race on Sunday, June 9 and Wirral 10K on Sunday, October 13.
They are pulling on their military boots and will march the 10K route to fundraise for Liverpool-based The Block – Armed Forces Foundation homeless prevention project.
The group began in 2019 as a small veteran community service aimed at helping local ex-forces in times of crisis. It is now a registered charity. Find out more about the charity at https://theblockaff.org/
Former Paratrooper Colin Eastaway from Liverpool is Chief Executive Officer of The Block – Armed Forces Foundation and is one of the charity’s founders. He served with the Special Forces Support Group, and did multiple tours of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Colin explained: “Together as a group, we are marching both to raise awareness of The Block and vital funds to support homeless ex-service personnel, mental health support, and housing.
“I struggled with civilian life after the military. And with other former colleagues from across Liverpool we identified that more support was needed in the city following a rise in Veteran suicide and homelessness – so we founded The Block.
“Veterans struggling with life after the military can experience poor mental health while in transition to civilian life.
"During a sudden change in circumstances, they can often find themselves at risk of homelessness or worse, at risk of suicide. Due to the cost of living and housing crises, we are receiving unprecedented requests for support from military service leavers.
“We are self-funded so every penny really will make a difference to the lives of people we support.
"By providing emergency accommodation along with inclusion and a safe like-minded space, The Block provides the tools our veterans need to tackle these difficult periods of their lives. Please support us along the way on the day, or by making a donation for veterans who really do need that helping hand.”
The Block Crowdfunder is being run through Aviva Community Fund, funds will be match-funded.
Donations can be made at https://www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk/p/cost-of-living-crisis-and-homelessness-prevention
This is the 18th staging of the point-to-point race, which always proves popular with those gearing up for the London Marathon the following weekend.
There is still time to take part. Entries close at 5pm on Thursday (April 11). No more entries will be taken after this time. There will be no entries on the day.
Final places can be booked at www.btrliverpool.com
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