MORE than 2,000 runners took part in a record-breaking Mersey Tunnel 10K.

The event, now in its 14th year, took 2,200 participants from its starting point in Liverpool city centre Marine Point in New Brighton.

The route took them through Kingsway Tunnel, along Seacombe Promenade, past Fort Perch Rock and the Marine Lake, to the finish line on Ian Fraser Walk.

The race was won by Joseph Boden from Wallasey AC in a time of 32 minutes and 18 seconds.

Second place male was Leon Foster from Leeds City Athletic Club in 34 minutes and four seconds. Dan Morgan took third place male in 34 minutes 12 seconds.

First place female was Kirsty Longley representing Liverpool Pembroke Sefton Harriers in 36 minutes 19 seconds. After already setting a new course record of 36 minutes 49 seconds in 2017, Kirsty this year broke her own record by knocking 30 seconds of her previous record time.

Female second place was Helen Sahgal, also from Liverpool Pembroke Sefton Harriers, in 38 minutes 25 seconds.

Helen won last year’s race, but this year recorded a faster time by taking seven seconds off her 2018 time. Jenny Carter from Team Bath Athletics Club took third place female in 39 minutes 52 seconds.

The race attracted runners from the Isle of Man, Ireland, Germany, and the United States of America.

Among those taking part were American brothers Steve Hailer, aged 69 from Ohio, and 71-year-old Phil from Massachusetts.

Steve recorded a time of 1 hour 21 minutes 12 seconds, while Phil finished in 1 hour 9 minutes 58 seconds.

Steve said: "Being such big Beatles fans, we were thrilled to visit Liverpool and combine it with our love of running.

"As we headed to the finish line we enjoyed the incredible views of Liverpool across the River Mersey. What a fantastic, wonderful running experience. A first class and unique event – well done BTR Liverpool.

"We even managed to fit in visits to The Beatles Story and Cavern Club. It was a very special trip all round. Thank you Liverpool."

A team of 15 runners took part raising funds and awareness for North West Cancer Research.

Running clubs from across the North West were well represented, with the largest groups represented by BTR Road Runners, Kirkby Milers, Liverpool Running Club, Penny Lane Striders, and Wallasey AC.

The race is organised and delivered by Hoylake-based race organisers BTR Liverpool.

Race director Alan Rothwell said: "The BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K is a real highlight of the race calendar given the rare and unique opportunity to run through the Kingsway Tunnel and under the River Mersey. The atmosphere through the tunnel is really fantastic.

"Seeing people's big smiles as they head towards the finish line is infectious, well done to everyone who took part.

"Congratulations to Kirsty Longley, who broke her own record to set a new female time for the course.

"And a big thank you to the volunteer teams from BTR Road Runners; Claire House Children’s Hospice; Everton in the Community; Goodgym Liverpool; Liverpool Running Bugs; North West Cancer Research; and Graham Knowles with Origins Sports Massage – your support is greatly appreciated and make a big difference to the event."