THREE thousand people took part in the Merseyside Tunnel 10k charity run on Sunday.
Runners made their way from Liverpool and into the Kingsway Wallasey Tunnel, then along Wirral waterfront before arriving at the finish area on Ian Fraser Walk in New Brighton.
Below: Pictures from Sunday's Tunnel 10k by Geoff Davies
Numbers for the BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K have continued to grow.
Runners in New Brighton
The overall winner was Dejene Gazimu, a 23-year-old student who moved to Liverpool from Ethiopia 18 months ago and has been training with Liverpool Harriers.
He crossed the finishing line in 30 minutes and 52 seconds, beating the record set by Elly Taurus of Salford Harriers in 2014 by 25 seconds.
The first female finisher was Helen Sahgal who finished in a time of 38 minutes and 35 seconds.
The race attracted runners from across the country, as well as others who travelled from Scotland and Ireland participate.
Large contingents from Merseyside running club Ellesmere Port RC, Kirkby Milers, Knowsley Harriers, Liverpool Running Club; Penny Lane Striders; Wallasey AC; and Warrington RC.
Among those taking part was Moreton-based scientist Abir Ali, who married fiancée Hayley Blanch hours the race.
He proposed on Hayley’s birthday last year after three years together.
He ran dressed as a groom wearing a shirt, tie, suit jacket and buttonhole flower – as well as a special personalised 'Groom' race number carrying the special date '1906' - as the race took place on Sunday, June 19.
Speaking prior to the race, he said: "Taking part in the Tunnel 10K and meeting up with my running friends will definitely help to settle the nerves!
"I have to say a huge thank you to Hayley for being so understanding, especially on our big day, she knows how much I enjoy running.
"I started running eight years ago and my first race was the BTR Wirral 10K, and I've been hooked ever since."
BTR recently won the title of Event Of The Year at the Wirral Tourism Awards 2015 for the Wirral Half Marathon/10K.
Race Director Alan Rothwell said: "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.
"Abir and Louise both had a great day, we’re delighted they chose to make the Tunnel 10K part of such a special time of their lives, and we wish them and their respective partners every future happiness.
"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."
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