More than 2,700 runners will descend on Wirral this Sunday for the 13th annual Port Sunlight Road Race, which is completely sold out across all distances.
Port Sunlight Road Race returns this weekend, and it promises to be an exciting day on Wirral with all places for the 5K and 10K sold out.
The picturesque village is the backdrop for the event day this Sunday (7 June). The 5K starts at 10 am, followed by the 10K at 11 am. A 1K Fun Run for youngsters aged 12 and under will take place at approximately 12.30 pm, once all the 10K runners have cleared the course.
Race day will see more than 2,700 runners take part across all three distances, this includes 298 runners who have signed up for the dual challenge, running both the 5K and 10K races. Port Sunlight Road Race is organised and delivered by race organiser BTR Liverpool in conjunction with Port Sunlight Village Trust (PSVT).
This year marks the 13th staging of the event. Unilever Port Sunlight is supporting the event as the headline sponsor for the 11th consecutive year. A team of 150 Unilever Sunlight Runners will take part on the day.
First staged in 2012, Port Sunlight Road Race is well established in the region’s race calendar.
Last year’s event was the highest turnout since the race returned after a two-year break over the pandemic, and a new female 5K course record was set. The 5K route takes runners along the tree-lined boulevards and perfectly manicured gardens of Port Sunlight Village.
The 10K follows two laps of the 5K route. All finishers will be presented with a commemorative medal and T-shirt. Those taking on the dual race challenge will collect a bonus third medal.
Spectators are also invited to Port Sunlight on race day to cheer on the runners.
The day’s activities focus on Port Sunlight Village Green, next to Port Sunlight Museum. Refreshments from local traders will be available.
Port Sunlight Village Trust (PSVT) is an independent charity and custodian of Port Sunlight, an exemplar worker village created to support the well-being and productivity of the Lever Brothers soap works employees and their families.
As custodian, PSVT works with important stakeholders to protect the village’s heritage; create an inspiring place to live, work and visit; and promote understanding of Port Sunlight’s global value and relevance.
Runners can use their race number to enjoy discounts at Port Sunlight Museum and on walking tours until the end of June.
Runners and spectators will see the centre of the village looking a little different this year, as a major construction project to bring the village’s Grade II Listed Boating Pond and fountain back to life is underway.
Once complete this Autumn, the public will see the return of one of Port Sunlight’s much-loved landmarks. Port Sunlight Village Trust is asking for donations from the public to support the charity’s project.
Village Custodians Welcome Growing Participant Numbers
Andrew Bowden, Chair of Trustees of Port Sunlight Village Trust, said:
“We’re delighted to once again welcome runners and spectators to Port Sunlight Village for our annual race day event, and it’s fantastic to see the event continue to grow year on year.
“Port Sunlight Road Race is a unique way to see our wonderful unique village, especially if runners are visiting for the first time.
“It’s always a very popular event.
“Our residents are looking forward to welcoming everyone on event day, with many coming out on the morning to encourage the participants.
“And a big thank you to our village volunteers who help guide everyone on the day.”
Unilever Backs Annual Health and Wellbeing Focus
Cameron Jones, Head of Unilever Port Sunlight, said:
“The Port Sunlight Road Race is a real annual highlight in the village. Unilever is proud to be headline sponsor for the 11th consecutive year as part of our commitment to promoting health and wellbeing.
“Good luck to all the runners, including 150 Unilever Sunlight Runners representing our team on the day. I hope all the spectators and residents have a fantastic day supporting the event.”
BTR Liverpool is supporting 10 charities across the 2026 event portfolio. Fundraising runners and event volunteers will represent the charities on the day, including Alder Hey Children’s Charity, British Heart Foundation, Claire House Children’s Hospice, Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, Liverpool Women’s Hospital Charity, Liverpool Zoe’s Place, Mersey Cares, North West Air Ambulance, Open Door, and Wirral University Teaching Hospital.
Road closures will be in place during the races.
Dedicated car parks are allocated for runners and spectators, for full details click here.
In 2025, BTR Liverpool was acquired by Run For All, a company wholly owned by the Jane Tomlinson Appeal.
For more information click here.
