Mayor of Wirral swaps chains for running shoes in preparation for Port Sunlight 10k

The Mayor Of Wirral will be swapping his chains of office for a pair of running shoes this weekend to take part in the Port Sunlight 10K.

The event is part of the wider Port Sunlight Road Race day on Sunday 11 June, which also features a 5K and 1K Fun Run for youngsters. The 5K and 10K races have both sold out.

Port Sunlight Road Race is organised and delivered by independent race organiser BTR Liverpool in conjunction with Port Sunlight Village Trust (PSVT).

Unilever is headline sponsor for the eighth consecutive year.

No stranger to running, Mayor Of Wirral Councillor Jerry Williams is a founder member of Birkenhead AC. He has completed 34 marathons and more than 100 half marathons. Earlier this year, he completed the BTR Liverpool Skyline 10 Mile Road Race.

Almost 1,000 runners will take part in the overall the Road Race event, including a team of 80 from Unilever.

The Mayor Of Wirral will start the 10K race and cheer on his fellow runners in his official capacity before joining in to run the distance.

The Mayor Of Wirral Councillor Jerry Williams commented:

“Running has been an important part of my life for more than 40 years. As well as daily runs and regular shorter races, I have completed 34 marathons and more than 100 half marathons. But the Port Sunlight 10K will be a little bit special as it will be my first competitive race as Mayor and it’s in Port Sunlight, which is a place we all love.”

Port Sunlight Road Race returned last year after a three-year break due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The 2023 gathering marks the 10^th staging of the event.

First staged in 2012, Port Sunlight Road Race is well established in the region’s race calendar. It is the most significant event in the Port Sunlight calendar, attracting thousands of runners and spectators.

A group of 80 runners from Unilever – appropriately named the Sunlight Runners – will take part in the 5K or 10K races. The group last week officially unveiled this year’s event medals.

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.

The 5K takes runners along the tree-lined boulevards and perfectly manicured gardens of the village. The 10K follows two laps of the 5K route. Races start and finish at the village green next to Port Sunlight Museum.

More than 200 runners are taking on the dual race challenge. After completing the 5K, they will run in the 10K – collecting two T-shirts and three medals to mark their achievements.

Families are invited to get involved with the 1K Fun Run. Entries will be taken on the day at the BTR enquiries tent on the village green.

Youngsters will receive a run number, finishers’ medal, and goody bag. Parents are required to run with their children or escort them around the course. Places are £5 cash per child. Parents do not need to register.

There will be a family friendly atmosphere on the village green, including food and drink concessions.