Port Sunlight 10k & 5k, Sunday 19th May 2013
Port Sunlight Race Review
Event review from Alan Rothwell, Race Director, Port Sunlight 10K.
The Port Sunlight 10K on Sunday, 19th May was latest race for us and as many of you will know it was the first time we had staged the event. Lat year Matt Davies and the Port Sunlight Trust did an excellent job in getting the event started and hopefully we have helped develop the race this year. We had 600 more entries than in year 1 which was the biggest improvement and we introduced a 5K distance and also a kids Fun Run after the main race.
Having inherited a new event and course that I’m not overly familiar with is always potentially fraught with problems but I’m pleased to say that all went well on the day although my own post race assessment was suggests a number of areas that need improvement (as always) ahead of the 2014 event.
Firstly I think the course needs to be structured with one way running only. Two way running on some of village roads was difficult with the roads too narrow for the numbers taking part. If the event is to grow, which I’m sure it will, then the current format won’t be able cope. I’m sure many of will have heard me encouraging to ‘stay inside the cones’ as I guided the lead runners around the course on my bike!!
I’m sure the course can be restructured to allow for that and I have a proposal ready to present at the event debrief.
Another consideration would be to host the 5K at 10.00am or remove it altogether and deliver just a 10K. Either option would alleviate confusion approaching the finish area on the second lap.
Other than that I think the event has great potential but would not want to see the numbers go beyond the 1,500 mark in order to ensure the best possible race for those taking part. Over a two lap course I think it is difficult because of lead runners lapping back markers. Anyway, I think the Port Sunlight 10K has all the makings of a great event and hopefully we can look at implementing improvements for next year.
Secondly, apologies for the results not being posted straight after the race. This was due to circumstances beyond our control and I have no doubt it was a genuine error on the part of TDL who normally deliver a first class service – and have done for a number of years with our events. Tom Last has sent his sincere apologies to me for the problem arising in the first place and assured me that normal results service will be resumed for the Tunnel 10K.
I digress slightly but Tunnel 10K packs will be going out on TUESDAY, 21st MAY and should arrive within 3 working days. Please don’t panic if yours doesn’t arrive as we cannot advise where they go once they leave the office. We have had considerable problems with Royal Mail delivery for both the Half Marathon and Port Sunlight races but Yvonne has managed to provide replacement numbers for any that don’t arrive.
In the Half Marathon we had 123 race packs just never arrive at all and we still have no idea where they went – despite having a return address printed on the envelope. Just before the Port Sunlight 10K we had 88 enquiries about lost race packs on one day alone. That was nearly three weeks after they were posted out. Some local entry race packs actually arrived the day before the event which is staggering. Just over three weeks to get from Hatton Garden to other parts of Merseyside!
Anyway, race packs will be going out as mentioned and hopefully Royal Mail will pull their socks up and deliver on time.
Just on the Tunnel 10K I would expect around 3,500 entries will come in as last year and I’ll be in touch about some slight changes to the course on the Liverpool side shortly.
Thanks to everyone who took part in the Port Sunlight 10K.
Alan Rothwell
btrLiverpool Race Director
Online entries now closed
Online entries are now closed for the btr Port Sunlight 10K and 5K races.
However don't worry. If you'd still like to take part in the event you can enter on the day at the enquiries tent on the Main Green in Port Sunlight Village anytime after 9am. £20 entry on the day.
Please Note: We CANNOT take event entries over the phone.
Race day
With the village providing such a tranquil backdrop, runners will be relaxed and stress free as they approach the start line on May 19th.
The rave reviews the event attracted at the first time of asking means the bar has been raised this year and expectancy will be high. The intricate criss-cross road network means runners are never too far away from the start / finish line and spectators and local residents alike will provide great support all the way round.
Although the pre-race atmosphere is likely to be relaxed that will change dramatically as the start gun fires and the race explodes onto the village roads. With plenty of road width and a good quality surface the early pace is bound to be fast at the front as the early pace setters tear through the first three miles. Driven on by the close proximity of the support the pace will pick up pace over the second lap and create a memorable race right to the finish line.
As the massed ranks of runners complete the 6.2 miles the support continues to grow as family, friends and running colleagues cheer on those still chasing down the finish line – and once everyone is back there is plenty of space to sit, relax and discuss the race performances.
Once you’ve taken part in this race it won’t come as any surprise that it was voted the 2nd best UK 10K last year.
Around the course
The entire course is set within the village road network and comprises two 5K laps. The road quality is very good and flat throughout and capable of delivering really good times.
Please click on the image below to view an enlarged version.
Getting to the start
The start and finish of the Port Sunlight 10K and 5K races is on Queen Mary’s Drive in the centre of the village.
By train
The nearest train station is either Bebington from the north or Port Sunlight from the south on the Chester – Liverpool line. Both are a short walk to the start / finish area. For more information visit www.merseyrail.org
By car
From the north / Queensway Tunnel exit follow signs to Port Sunlight along the New Ferry by pass. At the roundabout take the access road in Bolton Road and then follow event car parking signs.
From the south (Chester direction) follow the main Chester Road as far as the roundabout at the beginning of the New Ferry bypass and turn immediately left at the traffic lights / roundabout junction on to Bolton road. Follow event car parking signs from here.
Details on car parking arrangements will be confirmed in the event race instructions.
Sat nav postcode is - CH62 5DX
How can we help?
We get asked a variety of questions about our events. If you cannot find the answer below, please email us and we’ll respond as soon as possible.
I’m only a running novice. Can I take part?
Yes you can. The event attracts a wide range of running abilities from beginners to experienced club runners.
Is it a fast course?
Yes it is with it being flat and hosted on good quality urban roads.
Is there a time limit to complete the course?
No. Most runners complete the course in about 75 minutes but there isn’t a time limit.
Race Results
What a day! Some great performances on Sunday with some great PB's! Despite a slight delay, the race results are now in for both the 5k & 10k races yesterday.
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