Tunnel Runners Remember The Queen
The Queen was in everyone's thoughts at the weekend's Tunnel 10K in Merseyside...
Almost 1,000 runners stood side by side ahead of the BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K on Sunday (12 September) in silent tribute to Her Majesty The Queen who passed away last week. Participants were invited by organisers BTR Liverpool to observe two minutes silence before the race.
This was the 16th staging of the BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K - the only time throughout the year when people can make their way through the Kingsway Tunnel on foot and run under the River Mersey.
Known locally as the ‘new tunnel’, the Kingsway Tunnel was opened by Her Majesty The Queen on 24 June 1971 – making last year its milestone 50th anniversary. Organisers were given the go-ahead to stage the race so felt it appropriate to honour The Queen as part of event proceedings – as a mark of respect and to reflect on her incredible duty of more than 70 years.
The race event was somewhat subdued as runners and race officials kept The Queen in their thoughts. A tribute was read by race day host Graeme White, who also led the two minute silence. This was followed by The Beatles’ classic song In My Life.
The winner of the race was Dejene Gezimu from Liverpool Harriers AC in 33:39. He last won the race in 2018 and set the current course record of 30:52 in 2016. Jamie Mackie finished second in 34:36 seconds, followed by Joshua Makin in third place in 34:59.
First place female was Fay Hughes from UTS Run Club in Hoylake with a time of 39:01, the second consecutive year Fay has taken top honours in this race. Second place was Becky Chittick from Penny Lane Striders in 45:29, while Anita Dawson finished third in 45:32.
10-year-old Owen Oswick from Wirral wowed everyone on the day by clocking a time of 40:49 – finishing in 24th overall position! The day’s most senior runners were Tunnel 10K regulars 83-year-old Phil Humphreys from Wirral, and Ron Thornton aged 81 from Liverpool.
BTR Liverpool's Alan Rothwell said: “Well done to everyone who took part, and once again made the BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K a very memorable day especially during this incredibly poignant and historic time. The atmosphere on the day was understandably subdued, and I congratulate our runners on all their achievements.
“I want to publicly thank everyone who impeccably observed the two minutes silence to honour and thank Her Majesty The Queen for her loyal and dedicated duty which spanned more than seven decades. We felt The Beatles’ song In My Life was a fitting tribute and heartwarming but respectful nod from Liverpool, especially before we followed in her footsteps and headed into the Kingsway Tunnel which she officially opened 51 years ago.
“The Mersey Tunnel 10K is a unique race given it’s the only time you can make your way through on foot. I’m sure everyone who was involved on the day will remember this year’s race for many special reasons.”
The date for the BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K 2023 will be announced shortly on the event website.
Image: Erica Dillon