Wirral Globe: ALMOST 1,800 runners took to the streets of Port Sunlight for its fourth annual race day.

Sunday's event attracted runners of all ages for the 5K and 10K races around the picturesque village. This was followed by a 1K Kids’ Fun Run.

The event was organised by BTR, in conjunction with Port Sunlight Village Trust.

Almost 400 runners took part in the 5K race, which was a loop route taking in the sights of the village. This was followed by the 10K race, which saw 1,200 runners race for two loops of the same course.

The races were followed by a 1K Kids’ Fun Run attracting 200 enthusiastic youngsters who were greeted by Claire Bear, the official mascot of Claire House Children’s Hospice. They all received a medal and a goody bag.

Wirral Globe:

Claire Bear turned out to support Port Sunlight 10k runners on Sunday. Picture: Paul Francis-Cooper.

Deciding that one race in a day wasn’t enough, almost 40 keen runners took part in both the 5K and 10K races to be double racers on the day.

The day’s most senior runner was familiar face, 91-year-old Eddie Mountford, from Wirral, who completed the 10K.

Unilever supported the event for the second consecutive year through Project Sunlight – its movement for people everywhere who want to make the world a better place for their children and future generations.

Unilever has enjoyed a strong connection to Port Sunlight since 1888 and continues to have major manufacturing, R&D and IT facilities in the village. Unilever had 50 runners taking part across the 5K and 10K races.

The event has previously been staged in May, but due to a large number of major events taking place across Liverpool City Region in May, organisers brought the event forward two months.

BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell said: “Port Sunlight is a fantastic setting for race events and, once again, we have to thank Port Sunlight Village Trust for hosting the event and Unilever for their support. We had an excellent turn-out, which kick-started our calendar of 10 events for 2015.

"We're delighted with the numbers taking into account the change of date.

"It's a fantastic sight to see new runners alongside the more experienced ones, while the youngsters brought the fun element to the day.

"A massive well done to all the runners, and not forgetting the volunteers who play such an important role on the day."