THE BTR Wirral 10K race returned last weekend with two new course records being set by the first male and female finishers.

Around 750 runners took part last Sunday (October 13), with more than 200 entries on last year.

The 10th staging of the race started and finished on Ian Fraser Walk in New Brighton. The route took participants past Fort Perch Rock and along the promenade to Seacombe Ferry, before reaching the half-way 5K turnaround point.

The BTR Wirral 10K 2024 race was won by Matthew Gawne from Altrincham & District AC in a time of 33 minutes 52 seconds – setting a new course record. The previous course record time was set last year by Neil Hennigan from Penny Lane Striders in 36 minutes 19 seconds.

Second place was Kieran O’Brien from St Helens Striders in 34 minutes 34 seconds. Third place was Graeme Bruce in 34 seconds 46 seconds.

First female finisher was Lisa Gawthorne from Vegan Runners UK in a time of 38 minutes 7 seconds – also setting a new female course record. The previous course record time was set last year by Fay Hughes in 38 minutes 47 seconds.

Second place was Francesca Byron from Pensby Runners in 40 minutes 13 seconds. Third place was Dianna Mannhart from Warriors Pentathlon Athletics Club in 41 minutes 19 seconds.

All finishers were presented with a commemorative medal and T-shirt to mark their achievement.

The day’s most senior runners were BTR race regulars 85-year-old Philip Humphreys from Cheshire; Ronald Thornton from Crosby; and Rosemary Rogers also from Cheshire.

Ronald Thornton celebrated his 84th Birthday on race day, and was cheered on by his club Liverpool Running Bugs.

Rosemary Rogers from Chester, who has completed the 52-mile BTR Tour Of Merseyside numerous times, celebrated her 75th Birthday the day after the race.

Alan Rothwell, Race Director at BTR Liverpool, said: “What a brilliant race day. Thank you to everyone who took part and those who came out to support. Runners are really enjoying the updated route which we launched last year. It takes in the incredible views along the promenade across to the world-famous Liverpool skyline – but has still retained the advantage of being fast and flat.

 

“Numbers were up on last year by more than 200 entries, which is really positive. Congratulations to Matthew Gawne and Lisa Gawthorne on setting new male and female course records, fantastic achievements.

“A huge thank you to the volunteer teams who supported BTR and the runners – Birkenhead Park Running Club, Liverpool Running Bugs on the 5K water station, as well as members of the Merseyside running community. We’re always looking for volunteers to lend a hand at events throughout the year.”

The date for next year’s BTR Wirral 10K is confirmed as Sunday, October 12 2025. Entries are open at https://www.btrliverpool.com/wirral-10k-event