Mersey Tunnel 10k, Sunday 9th June 2013

Entries now closed

Entries are now closed for the btr Mersey Tunnel 10K.

Due to a late influx of entrants, we've had to close entries at 3,200. Thanks for everyone who has entered, see you all on the day and have a great run!

The excitement of race day

With the event being in early June there always tends to be a relaxed atmosphere at the Mersey Tunnel 10K. Most of those taking part have been before and tend to compare notes with friends about how they’re feeling, are they going for a good time and so on.

Pall Mall is a good size road to start on and allows everyone to get off to a fast start.

The massed ranks congregate by the Mercedes Showroon on the corner of Pall Mall and Leeds Street in readiness for the 9.30am start. At 9.15am sharp the baggage vehicles are sent on their way and the mood starts to change with laughter making way for the muffled sound of concentration. The shuffle for a good position in the line up begins as arms and legs are shaken off in an attempt to stay loose. Many stare at their watches as the minutes tick by and the P.A. announcements encourage runners to prepare for the gun.

The air horn sounds and there is sudden movement as the 1000s of participants lurch forward on their first steps to New Brighton.

Within minutes the descent into the tunnel begins as within less than a mile everyone is waving goodbye to Liverpool as they stare into the less than daylight and the sounds of shouts and screams indicate the tunnel has been breached.

So far so good as the pace picks up and the Oggy Oggy Oggy chant reverberates around the curved walls of the long underground cavern.  No Beatles here but what you can hear are bits of conversation as you go.... “it doesn’t look this big when you’re in the car... It’s not as steep as I thought...” and then suddenly, the incline kicks in! As every runner knows, what goes down must come up and at the base of the tunnel it becomes apparent. Heads now bowed and conversation muted the intrepid road warriors begin the attack on Wirral.

The small light up ahead doesn’t seem to move but then gets bigger all of a sudden... and then, you’re back out into daylight.  It all seems too quick but wait – we’re still going up. Yes, not quite at the half way point the incline continues along to the tunnel exit where the grassy slopes of Oakdale Road greet your heavy breathing and sooth you tiredness with energy giving water. Oh the relief... and within seconds you’re off again. No time to lose as you head toward the welcome flatness of Egremont Promeade.

Turning on to the long and almost winding roadway it’s as if you can see the finish line – but do not be deceived, it’s still two miles away. That optical illusion will remain just that for another ten minutes or so. In the meantime just enjoy the view over your right shoulder as the Liverpool skyline sneaks up on you unannounced.

Whilst you are distracted you will probably not have noticed the finish line is now getting nearer. It dawns on you very quickly that the end really is in sight. One glance at your watch and your doing well. Potential P.B. here so the focus returns. You’re putting the effort in but the finish is still in the distance. Push. Push. Aaaaahhhh Brilliant the finish line brings it’s own instant relief as you stop your watch, glance at the gantry clock and wonder if you’ve improved on your 10K time??? I have!!!

Now there’s just one thing on your mind now... “how do I get back?”

Around the course

The accurately measured 10K course starts on Pall Mall in Liverpool city centre and travels along approximately 1 mile of roads before entering the Kingsway Tunnel via the emergency exit at the end of Blackstock Street.

After a sharp u turn off the emergency exit runners then begin the gentle descent down under the River Mersey. The Tunnel entrance marks the 2K point with markers for 3K and 4K positioned inside the Tunnel.

Around 3.5K runners notice the descent level off before staring the long, slow ascent out of the Tunnel and into the daylight on the Wirral side of the river.

Leaving the Tunnel via the Emergency exit before the toll booths, runners move on to Oakdale Road and a welcome slight downhill section at 5K where the first drinks station is located.

The second half of the course is as flat as it comes with a further mile from the Tunnel to the Wallasey Ferry terminal where runners can see the finish at New Brighton – albeit 2 miles away!

When the going gets tough… the tough get going with some participants attacking the final stretch whilst others just take the promenade in their stride.

The second drinks station is located at 7K at the bottom of the Town Hall steps on the promenade.

The finish is located at the end of the promenade just before the public highway starts – a unique and inspiring 10K event.

Please click on the map below to view an enlarged version.

Getting to the start

The start area is located on the north side of Pall Mall at the junction of Leeds Street. There is a Mercedes showroom at this location.

By train

The nearest main line train station is Lime Street which is a 25 minute walk from the start area. The nearest local train train station is James Street on the Liverpool loop line. It is possible to get the loop line train from Lime Street to James Street which is approximately a 15 minute walk from the start area.

By car

The waterfront roads are well signposted from any direction when approaching the city centre. Follow city centre signs or the brown Tourist signs for Albert Dock. At the end of Great Howard Street you will see a BMW showroom. At these traffic lights turn left on to Leeds Street. Pall Mall start area is next left alongside the Mercedes showroom.

There is car parking at the NCP on the south of Pall Mall. Turn right at the lights by the SEAT showroom

From the south follow the signs into the city and look out for Albert Dock, Liverpool Arena and Liverpool ONE shopping centre. The Liver Buildings will be on your left just after these locations. Follow the road past the Radisson Blue Hotel on your right on to Leeds Street. You will see the Mercedes showroom ahead of you.

From the east (M62 / Edge Lane) follow city centre signs all the way into the city itself on to Scotland Road via Hunter Street. Follow Scotland Road to the next main junction (at JMU building on your right) and turn left on to Leeds Street at this location.

The start area is further along Leeds Street on your right, NCP parking on the left at the SEAT showroom.

From Wirral / Kingsway Tunnel exit (Wallasey) on to Scotland toward the city centre and follow the right hand turn at the first main set of traffic lights (after exiting) on to Leeds Street. Follow this road on to the waterfront area just after the Radisson Blue Hotel which will be on your left hand side.

From Queensway Tunnel exit (Birkenhead) turn second left upon exiting the tunnel on to Scotland Road and take a left turn the second set of traffic light opposite JMU building on to Leeds Street.

The start area is further along Leeds Street on your right, NCP parking on the left at the SEAT showroom.

Sat nav postcode for Liver Building guidance is - L3 7DB.

Road closure information

Road closure information along the course will be posted when confirmed along with a suggestion of the anticipated times that roads will be closed.

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.

Congratulations!!

Well done on running the btrLiverpool Tunnel 10k. How did you get on? Did you get a PB? The race results, provided by TDL will be available shortly after the race.