Dejene Gezimu got the better of over 3,000 runners on Sunday to win the annual Mersey Tunnel 10K, with the Ethiopian runner setting a new course record in the process.
The 11th edition of the popular race, which sold out for the second successive year, started in Liverpool city centre and finished in New Brighton – with the unique tunnel part the bridging gap between the two locations.
Runners set off from Blackstock Street start line in the centre of the city before making their way into the Kingsway Wallasey Tunnel. They then took a route along the Wirral seafront from Seacombe, past Fort Perch Rock and the Marine Lake, before arriving at the grandstand finish line area on Ian Fraser Walk in New Brighton.
On a glorious summer’s day, thousands of lined the streets of Merseyside to support the runners as they headed to Ian Fraser Walk, with Gezimu’s course record the icing on the cake for many who had witnessed the event.
The Liverpool Harriers athlete broke the course record by 24 seconds with a time of 30:52 , while the first female finisher was Helen Sahgal from Mersey Tri with a time of 38:35.
Race Director Alan Rothwell was delighted with the turn-out, and hailed Gezimu as one to watch in the coming years.
He said :“What another incredible turn-out. The Mersey Tunnel 10K is a favourite race for many people, as it is the only chance you have to run through the tunnel.
“And there’s no better way than with fellow runners, having a great day and collecting a special bespoke medal and commemorative T-shirt to mark the occasion. Thank you to everyone who took part.
“Congratulations to Dejene on his Tunnel 10K win. He’s now won the last four BTR races and also set two course records. What a fantastic talent, he’s definitely one to watch in the running community. It was a very special day for many runners, who all have a story as to why they are running.
“New Brighton was packed with spectators cheering on the runners. It’s a fantastic location for our races, and many runners stayed round afterwards to enjoy the rest of their day.
“A huge thank you to our volunteer teams who work so hard on race days, they do an excellent job and their help makes such a real difference.”