Tunnel To Marathon Success

2 JUN2011

The 'marathon' effect has provided a further boost for the 2011 Mersey Tunnel 10K and around 3,000 runners are expected on the start line in Pall Mall on June 12. The annual 10K, which sees runners take a unique course through the Mersey Tunnel, has enjoyed an increase in entries each year since returning to the calendar in 2006.

Whilst the event has enjoyed year on year increases in participation the difference this year can be put down to the new RunLiverpool marathon set for Sunday, October 9. The reintroduction of a marathon to Merseyside has had a big impact already this year with the half marathon in March enjoying a massive increase of 2,000 entries. That trend has continued through to the Mersey Tunnel 10K with regular tunnel runners being joined by marathon enthusiasts who will be using the 10K as a guide to their fitness levels.

The Mersey Tunnel 10K is being used by a small army of marathon entrants under the watchful eye of marathon training coordinator Richard Othen. RunLiverpool Marathon is hosting a series of marathon workshops which start in June alongside an 18 week training regime which will see a combination of novices and experienced marathon runners taking on the ultimate running challenge.

Richard told northernrunningguide.com: "The interest in RunLiverpool Marathon has been huge with over 7,000 entries taken already. A high percentage of those entrants have never done a marathon before, and many more will have limited experience at the 26.2 mile distance. Run Liverpool is working in conjunction with iMarathonTraining.com to deliver a great range of coaching groups, marathon workshops and online training programmes, giving runners total support."

Anyone who has signed up for the marathon coaching programme has free entry into the Tunnel 10K event which is being used as part of the initial assessment and fitness evaluation process for all would be coached runners.

Alan Rothwell, race director of the marathon and Mersey Tunnel 10K said: "The increase in interest in the race events is brilliant - however, those taking part in the marathon should not underestimate the challenge. You can't cheat the distance and anyone attempting the RunLiverpool marathon should treat the 26.2 miles with the respect it deserves. Taking up the coaching programme in conjunction with the workshop initiative is a first class way to prepare. I wish I had this kind of support when I started marathon running back in 1981!"

Tunnel 10K entries will be taken until Friday, June 10 at the event office at 4 North John Street, Liverpool city centre and anyone wishing to attend the first workshop on June 5 or enrol on the marathon coaching programme can find details at the RunLiverpool marathon website. Alternatively contact Richard Othen on training@runliverpoolmarathon.co.uk