Thousands of runners took to the underside of the River Mersey today as a landmark anniversary for one of the UK’s most unusual races saw participant numbers reach an all-time high.
The biggest ever BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K was staged today, Sunday 12 April 2026, with 3,514 runners completing the course.
This marked the 20th staging of the race, which officially sold out two weeks ago with a record 4,100 entries, the highest figure since the event was reintroduced in 2006.
The point-to-point race began in Liverpool city centre before the field made their way into the Kingsway Tunnel.
After emerging on the Wirral side, runners raced along Seacombe Promenade toward the finish line at New Brighton, greeted by panoramic views of the world-famous Liverpool skyline.
Podium Success and Personal Triumphs
The BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K 2026 was won by Joseph Boden of Wallasey AC in a time of 32 minutes 13 seconds, followed by clubmate Oliver Chadwick in 32 minutes 35 seconds.
Dan Morgan of Lonely Goat Running Club took third, clocking a faster time than his winning performance from the previous year.
In the female category, Georgia Armitage from Penny Lane Striders took the top spot with a time of 39 minutes 21 seconds. Savannah Mannhart followed in second at 39 minutes 53 seconds, with Megan Toohey of Liverpool Running Club securing third place in 40 minutes 16 seconds.
Two-time Olympic race walker Tom Bosworth MBE officially started the race and was joined by 16-year-old Sydney Caraher from Upton.
Sydney walked her first ever 10K to raise funds for alopecia treatment, successfully smashing her £1,000 target on race day.
A Unique Atmosphere
The event remains the only time throughout the year that the Kingsway Tunnel is accessible to those on foot. BTR Liverpool Founder Alan Rothwell said:
“The excitement and anticipation at the BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K is always fantastic.
“The race has such a brilliant atmosphere, from the build-up, throughout the tunnel itself with chants of oggy oggy oggy, along Seacombe Promenade to the finish line.
“It’s always great hearing the runners talk post race about the tunnel and their own experiences, everyone has their own take on the event and how it was for them, especially running through the tunnel.”
The 2026 event drew an international crowd, with participants travelling from Denmark, Malaysia, Norway, and Switzerland to take part.
This success marks the second major sell-out for BTR Liverpool this year, following the record-breaking Liverpool Half Marathon in March.
The race also serves as a vital fundraising platform, with BTR supporting 10 official charities in 2026, including Alder Hey Children’s Charity, Zoe’s Place, and the North West Air Ambulance.
For those looking to follow in the footsteps of this year’s record field, the date for next year’s event is confirmed as Sunday 11 April 2027, with entries officially open now.
BTR’s next event will be the Run For The 97 in Stanley Park on Saturday 23 May.
