AROUND 1,000 runners are set to take part in next week's Port Sunlight road race.
The event, on Sunday, June 11, will feature a 5K at 10am and 10K at 11am followed by a 1K Fun Run for youngsters aged 12 and under.
The 10th annual event is organised and delivered by BTR Liverpool in conjunction with Port Sunlight Village Trust (PSVT). The headline sponsor for the event will be Unilever.
The 5K starts at 10am, followed by the 10K race at 11am. Once the 10K runners have cleared the course, the 1K Fun Run for youngsters aged 12 and under will start.
Final entries are being taken to take part in the 10K here
Both races and the fun run start and finish in the heart of the village at the green located near Port Sunlight Museum.
The event is organised and delivered by independent race organiser BTR Liverpool in conjunction with Port Sunlight Village Trust (PSVT).
A group of 80 runners from Unilever – appropriately named the Sunlight Runners – will take part in the 5K or 10K races.
Runners from the group have taken part in the event since it was first staged in the village. The group was invited to launch this year’s Port Sunlight Road Race and officially unveil this year’s medals.
Sunlight Runners formed 15 years ago and is made up of staff from across the Unilever Port Sunlight sites who meet twice weekly to train. As well as the village, routes also take in Port Sunlight River Park, the old railway line cycle trail to Bromborough, Storeton Woods, and Lever Causeway.
Matthew Thomas has taken on the mantle of Sunlight Runners President and co-ordinates the group’s activities.
He said: "We encourage and promote running across the entire Unilever Port Sunlight site, including the factory and R&D laboratory.
"Over the years we have welcomed many to our ranks, from experienced runners to those taking up the sport for the first time.
"Some of our more experienced runners have gone on to complete half marathons and the London Marathon."
Cameron Jones, head of Unilever Port Sunlight, added: "Unilever is delighted to sponsor the Port Sunlight Road Race and help to celebrate its 10th year.
"At Unilever we believe physical and mental wellbeing together with inclusion are crucial to good health.
"Continuing to support the event is a fantastic way to demonstrate our commitment to that belief, while also showcasing our historic home of Port Sunlight to visitors.
"Good luck to everyone taking part – including the 80 runners from Unilever Port Sunlight.”
Port Sunlight Village Trust (PSVT) is an independent charity and custodian of Port Sunlight, an exemplar worker village created to support the wellbeing and productivity of the Lever Brothers soap works employees and their families.
Paul Harris, chief executive of Port Sunlight Village Trust (PSVT), said: "The Road Race is one of the biggest events in Port Sunlight’s calendar and I’m delighted to see it returning to the village for its 10th edition.
"It's always wonderful to see the streets lined with runners, supporters, and village residents cheering on everyone. We’d like to give a big thank you to Unilever Port Sunlight for once again being the headline sponsor for this year’s Road Race and giving their support to the village.”
Hoylake-based race organisers BTR Liverpool is a leading independent organisation for creating, managing and delivering headline race events across Merseyside.
Other events organised by BTR includes; BTR Tour Of Merseyside, BTR Liverpool Skyline Half Marathon, BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K, and BTR Liverpool Santa Dash.
Race director Alan Rothwell said: "We are delighted to host the Port Sunlight Road Race 2023 – it has to be one of the most stunning settings for a running event in our region. The support of the Port Sunlight community is second to none.
"Final entries for the 10K are being taken so don’t miss out being part of this fantastic family event. Families can register for the 1K Fun Run on the morning at the village green."
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