Thousands of runners and spectators filled the streets of Wirral on Saturday for the annual Port Sunlight Road Race. The event, now in its 13th year, saw more than 2,700 participants take on three different distances through the historic model village.
Race Distances and Timings
The 5K race commenced at 10am, followed by the 10K at 11am. A 1K fun run for children aged 12 and under started at 12.30pm, after all 10K runners had finished. Among the participants, 298 runners signed up for the dual challenge, completing both the 5K and 10K races.
Community and Spectator Support
Numerous road closures were in place around Port Sunlight, with many residents and visitors lining the route to cheer on the runners. Spectators held banners, applauded participants, and showed strong support for charity runners, including those raising funds for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity.
Residents like Denise Bennett and her dog Ani displayed banners for family members competing in the 5K. Jemma Williams was cheered on by her daughters Maddie, nine, and Eliza, six, during the race.
Event Organisation and Sponsorship
The Port Sunlight Road Race is organised by BTR Liverpool in partnership with Port Sunlight Village Trust (PSVT). Unilever Port Sunlight has been the headline sponsor for 11 consecutive years. Andrew Bowden, Chair of Trustees of PSVT, expressed delight at the event's growth, noting it offers a unique opportunity to explore the village.
Port Sunlight, built in the late 1880s for workers of the nearby soap factory now known as Unilever, provided a picturesque backdrop for the races. Runners passed landmarks such as the Lady Lever Art Gallery during the 10K.
Medals were awarded to finishers, with blue and yellow medals for the 10K race. The event also featured a wheelchair competitor, highlighting its inclusive nature.
