The biggest ever BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K took place with 3,514 runners completing the course.
This was the 20th staging of the race, which sold out two weeks ago at a record 4,100 entries. The highest number since the race was reintroduced in 2006.
It is the only time throughout the year when people can make their way through the Kingsway Tunnel on foot – running under the River Mersey.
The date for next year’s event is confirmed as Sunday 11 April 2027. Entries are open now.
The point-to-point event began in Liverpool city centre before runners made their way into the Kingsway Tunnel. After emerging from the tunnel on the Wirral, runners raced along Seacombe Promenade to Fort Perch Rock and Marine Lake.
Crossing the finish line on Ian Fraser Walk in New Brighton, runners were presented with their finishers’ medal and commemorative running T-shirt.
The race was officially started by Tom Bosworth MBE, a two time Olympic race walker. He represented Team GB at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, and won Silver representing England at the Commonwealth Games at the Gold Coast in 2018. Tom was joined by 16-year-old Sydney Caraher from Upton who walked her first ever 10K, fundraising for alopecia treatment.
The BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K 2026 was won by Joseph Boden from Wallasey AC in a time of 32 minutes 13 seconds. Second place male was Oliver Chadwick, also from Wallasey AC, in 32 minutes 35 seconds.
Dan Morgan from Lonely Goat Running Club took third place with 32 minutes 54 seconds. Dan took top podium place last year in 33 minutes 27 seconds, but this year took third place in a faster time.
First female finisher in the BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K 2026 was Georgia Armitage from Penny Lane Striders with a winning time of 39 minutes 21 seconds. Second place was Savannah Mannhart in 39 minutes 53 seconds. Megan Toohey from Liverpool Running Club took place third place in 40 minutes 16 seconds.
This is the second sold out event for BTR Liverpool for 2026. Just four weeks ago, the biggest ever Liverpool Half Marathon and 10 Mile Road Race took place, selling out at 15,000 places.
The event charities for 2026 are Alder Hey Children’s Charity; British Heart Foundation; Claire House Children’s Hospice; Clatterbridge Cancer Charity; Liverpool Women’s Hospital Charity; Liverpool Zoe’s Place; Mersey Cares; North West Air Ambulance; Open Door; and Wirral University Teaching Hospital.
Local running clubs with the largest numbers taking part included Birkenhead Park Running Club, Hoylake Road Runners, Kirkby Milers AC, Knowsley Harriers AC, Penny Lane Striders, and Wallasey AC.
Alan Rothwell, BTR Liverpool Founder said: “The excitement and anticipation at the BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K is always fantastic. The race has such a brilliant atmosphere – from the build-up, throughout the tunnel itself with chants of oggy oggy oggy, along Seacombe Promenade to the finish line.
“It’s always great hearing the runners talk post race about the tunnel and their own experiences, everyone has their own take on the event and how it was for them – especially running through the tunnel. It’s an unique race we’re very proud of at BTR Liverpool. A memorable experience.
“Thank you to everyone who signed up to make it a record number sell-out for 2026. We’ll be trying to smash that number again for next year – see you in 2027, entries are open.”
The BTR Liverpool annual calendar of competitive races and fun runs take place between March and December. The portfolio also includes Liverpool Half Marathon and 10 Mile Road Race, Liverpool Santa Dash, Mersey Tunnel 10K, Port Sunlight Road Race 10K and 5K, Women’s 10K and 5K Liverpool, Wirral 10K, and Run For The 97.
In 2025, BTR Liverpool and its successful portfolio of events was acquired by Run For All. Mass participation events company Run For All is wholly owned by the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, and continues to honour her ongoing legacy.
Next up in the BTR race calendar is Run For The 97 5K and 1 Mile fun run on Saturday 23 May in Liverpool’s Stanley Park. This is followed by Port Sunlight Road Race 10K, 5K, and 1K on Sunday 7 June.
Full details about BTR Liverpool events visit www.btrliverpool.com
