WIRRAL scientist Abir Ali will have much to celebrate after taking part in the Mersey Tunnel 10K tomorrow.
The 41-year-old from Moreton will marry fiancée Hayley Blanch hours after joining more than 3,000 people for the race.
Abir proposed on Hayley’s birthday last year after three years together.
He will run 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 is taking place on June 19.
Abir (pictured, above) said: "It's going to be a very busy, exciting day.
"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."
Scene from last year's event. Picture: Paul Francis Cooper
Now in its 11th year, Sunday's event starts at 9.30am.
Runners set off from Blackstock Street in Liverpool city centre before making their way into the Kingsway Wallasey Tunnel to run underneath the River Mersey – the most challenging and unique part of the race.
After emerging from the tunnel, the runners then make their way along the picturesque Wirral waterfront from Seacombe, past Fort Perch Rock and the Marine Lake, before arriving at the grandstand finish area on Ian Fraser Walk in New Brighton.
Scene from last year's event. Picture: Paul Francis Cooper
Looking forward to taking part in the run, Abir said: "I've ran the BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K every year since 2013 and it just gets better.
"It's a real challenge and so unique compared to other races – plus we don't have to pay the toll fee to get through!"
"It's fitting that I'm running my fourth BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K on my wedding day, and this will also be my 85th running event – so a big thank you to BTR for the work they do for the running community of Merseyside and beyond."
Limited entries are still available for people wanting to take part in Sunday's race.
Enter online at www.btrliverpool.com or call into BTR's office at 82 Market Street, Hoylake.
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