RUNNERS are being invited to dress up in their best Swinging Sixties outfits for the annual Port Sunlight Road Race.

Taking place on Sunday, June 17, the theme this year is 'Flower Power' and will welcome around 2,000 runners to the leafy village of Port Sunlight.

Participants will take part in the event's three races which cover a range of distances such as 5K, 10K and a 1K Fun Run for youngsters aged 12 and under.

Organised by BTR Liverpool, in conjunction with Port Sunlight Village Trust (PSVT), the run will be supported by headline sponsor Unilever.

This year also marks a special celebration for Port Sunlight residents who will be celebrating 130 years since the village was founded.

To mark the milestone a team of 130 employees from Unilever will be pulling on their running shoes to take part in the 5K and 10K races.

The soundtrack of the day will also be themed and runners have been asked to suggest their favourite songs from the sixties era.

BTR race director Alan Rothwell told the Globe: “Those who took part last year will remember not only the scorching weather conditions, but also that Port Sunlight Village was in full bloom.

"So this time round we’re celebrating the natural beauty of our host location on its 130th anniversary.

“With a nod and a wink to the Flower Power era of the 1960s, we’ve taken the theme through across the race numbers, T-shirts and medals.

"The groovy green 5K t-shirts and sunshine yellow 10K t-shirts will make finishers’ look cool on a hot Summer’s day.

"And we’re encouraging runners and spectators to channel their inner Austin Powers and dress up on the day.”

To coincide with the 130th anniversary in 2018, PSVT will launch a new 5 year Strategic Plan and 10 year Conservation Management Plan and, for the first time, the organisation will exhibit a back to back garden at RHS Tatton in July.

Chairman of PSVT's board of trustees Rob Young said: “This is a milestone year and a very exciting time for Port Sunlight.

"We are delighted to be working with BTR and Unilever once again.

"The race day continues to be an important date in our events calendar – and it’s a perfect way to showcase Port Sunlight to runners and spectators.

"Good luck everyone.”

The 5K race and two-lap 10K route takes runners through Port Sunlight’s tree-lined boulevards.

The 5K race will start at 10am and will be followed by the 10K at 11am.

Once the 10K has finished, it will be time for the youngsters to get involved with a 1K Fun Run.

Head of Unilever Port Sunlight Cameron Jones said: “Unilever is immensely proud of its 130-year heritage in Port Sunlight and we are delighted to sponsor the road race for the fifth consecutive year.

"e have a team of 130 runners from Unilever Port Sunlight to mark the anniversary – and I’ll be pulling on my running shoes to join them in the 5K race.

"I’d like to wish all the runners all the best for a very enjoyable and successful 2018 road race.”

All finishers will receive a commemorative medal and t-shirt.

For more information or to enter the Port Sunlight Road Race visit http://www.btrliverpool.com/port-sunlight-5k10k