Mersey Tunnel 10k, 12th April 2026
Lynne Cornell sends us another report, this time a bit closer to home than Malta:
“It was a comment from the other green goddess that she had never been to Liverpool that prompted us to enter this race and it included running through a tunnel – a first for both of us.
Unknown to us, The Grand National and Liverpool were playing at home the day before which made accommodation eye wateringly expensive, so we booked ourselves into The Premier Inn in Birkenhead. We happened to bump into Tom at the station on Saturday morning (on his way to Liverpool and the match) and when we told him where we were staying, his expression wasn’t very encouraging!!!
He wasn’t wrong, but at least it prepared us for the area we found ourselves in once we got off the local train.
We survived the night and managed to make our way to the start of the race at Blackstock Street (industrial wasteland which also seemed to double as a urinal once the queues for the portaloos built up!) passing the bright yellow Superlambanana (cross between a lamb and a banana!) on the way.
Whilst talking to other race entrants on the way to the start, they confirmed Tom’s assessment of Birkenhead including someone who grew up there and was obviously pleased to have escaped! Bags dropped off at the baggage buses we made our way to the start. Quite cool but thankfully sunny and not too windy.
Then we were off. Down a road and straight into Kingsway Tunnel for 3k. Interesting to see a wall of people going up the other side in front of you. Bit of oggy,oggy,oggy going on, like the GNR. Out of the tunnel onto Oakdale Road, through an industrial estate and past the Mersey ferry terminal and the water station. Then we arrived at the beautiful promenade that would take us all the way to the finish at New Brighton. Gorgeous views across the Mersey.
Weather remained kind with just one very short shower. T-shirt, medal and a goodie bag plus very friendly locals. Collected bags, had a celebratory cuppa, then back to the joys of Birkenhead!
A really enjoyable race- very well organised and extremely well marshalled. We have survived Birkenhead and I’m wondering where our next adventure will be!!!”
Congratulations both on your tunnelling, and to Lynne for topping the podium in her category!
| Position | Runner | Time |
| 480 | Lynne Cornell (1st VW60) | 48:59 |
| 2102 | Susan Hillman | 61:47 |
