Earlier this month (13 April) close to 2000 runners laced up for the 19th edition of the BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K, a one-of-a-kind race that offers the only opportunity each year to run under the River Mersey. Starting in Liverpool City Centre and finishing on the waterfront in New Brighton, the race takes participants through the Kingsway Tunnel before emerging onto the Wirral coast.

This year’s event sold out weeks in advance, with 2,200 places snapped up by local club runners, charity fundraisers and international participants from countries including Austria, Norway and Ireland. With a point-to-point route showcasing iconic Merseyside sights like Seacombe Promenade, Fort Perch Rock and Marine Lake, runners crossed the finish line on Ian Fraser Walk where they collected medals and commemorative t-shirts.

The 2025 race was won by Dan Morgan of Lonely Goat RC in 33:27, improving on his fourth-place finish last year. Lisa Gawthorne of Vegan Runners was first female, clocking 38:46 and shaving nearly a minute off her 2024 time. The course records still stand from previous years, set by Dejene Gezimu in 2016 and Kirsty Longley in 2019.

Participants ranged in age and experience, including three runners in their mid-80s and a team of Armed Forces Veterans speed-marching with kit to raise funds for The Block - Armed Forces Foundation.

BTR Liverpool is behind the event and entries are already open for next year’s race, set for Sunday 12 April 2026, with over 100 places already claimed!

If you'd like to know more, visit the Tunnel 10K 2026 entry page.

Image: BTR Liverpool