Port Sunlight Village Trust and Unilever join forces with BTR Liverpool for established race event. Road race forms part of wider programme across the year.
Public events are once again returning to picturesque Port Sunlight in Wirral following a three-year break due to the global pandemic.
The exciting 2022 programme includes the Port Sunlight Road Race, which takes place on Sunday 12 June.
Other events include a celebration to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee; a national museums conference to explore the vision of independent museums recovering from the challenges of the pandemic; and the 100th anniversary of the Lady Lever Art Gallery. More details will be announced later.
The ninth Port Sunlight Road Race is organised and delivered by independent race organiser BTR Liverpool in conjunction with Port Sunlight Village Trust (PSVT). Unilever is supporting the event as headline sponsor for the seventh consecutive year.
First staged in 2012, the event is now established as the most significant event in the Port Sunlight calendar and is popular on the region’s running circuit, attracting thousands of visitors to the village either as runners or spectators. However, the event was last staged in 2019 due to the pandemic.
This year’s event has been officially launched by Paul Harris, Chief Executive of Port Sunlight Village Trust; Cameron Jones, Head of Unilever Port Sunlight; and Alan Rothwell, BTR Liverpool Race Director. The trio met in Port Sunlight to exclusively reveal the event medals for 2022.
Port Sunlight Road Race features 5K and 10K race distances, as well as a 1K Fun Run for youngsters aged 12 and under. Due to popular demand in recent years, runners can also register for a dual challenge to complete both the 5K and 10K races and earn an extra medal to mark their 15K achievement.
The 5K takes runners along the tree-lined boulevards and perfectly manicured gardens of the historic village. The 10K follows two laps of the 5K route. The races start and finish at the village green next to Port Sunlight Museum.
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. As custodian, PSVT works with important stakeholders to protect the heritage, ensure a great quality of life for people, and promote understanding of Port Sunlight’s global value and relevance.
Paul Harris, Chief Executive of Port Sunlight Village Trust (PSVT), commented:
“Port Sunlight played an important role in improving many people’s health and wellbeing during the succession of national and local lockdowns. Our beautiful village became a safe haven, a space for people to really enjoy the outdoors and appreciate the wide open spaces on their doorstep. So we are delighted to be hosting the Port Sunlight Road Race after a three-year break.
“The race is always a highlight in our Summer events calendar, and we can’t wait for the village to be filled with thousands of runners and spectators.
“Port Sunlight Road Race is a wonderful example of our village working together to make this such a successful event year on year, from the residents and village businesses to Unilever Port Sunlight sponsoring the event.”
Developed between 1888 and 1938, Port Sunlight represents a unique and innovative response to the industrial paternalism traditions that emerged in Europe and the Americas in the 18th Century.
Unilever today continues to have world class manufacturing, R&D and IT facilities based in Port Sunlight. Unilever’s brands – including Persil, Dove, Tresemme, Radox, Comfort and Surf – can be found in 98% of households in the UK.
Cameron Jones, Head of Unilever Port Sunlight, added:
“Unilever is delighted to sponsor the Port Sunlight Road Race for the seventh year. At Unilever we believe physical and mental health, wellbeing, and inclusion are all crucial contributors to good health. Supporting the race in our historic home is a fantastic way to show our commitment, while also showcasing the village to visitors. Good luck to everyone taking part – including the 100 runners from Unilever Port Sunlight.”
BTR Liverpool is the leading independent organisation for creating, managing and delivering headline running events across Liverpool City Region. Its extensive portfolio covers various distances across different terrains, all with an ongoing commitment to sustainability. The BTR event calendar also includes the BTR Tour Of Merseyside, BTR Liverpool Skyline Half Marathon, BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K, and BTR Liverpool Santa Dash.
BTR Liverpool Race Director Alan Rothwell commented:
“We’re already counting down the weeks until we can host the Port Sunlight Road Race 2022. The unique event is set in one of the most stunning backdrops you’ll find not only in the region, but in the country. We work closely with Port Sunlight Village Trust and Unilever to make the event a success, and we must extend our thanks to local residents for their ongoing support.
“We’re also excited to reveal this year’s medals – something which always proves popular with runners as they eagerly await a glimpse of the bling they’ll earn on the day. We look forward to seeing everyone back in Port Sunlight on Sunday 12 June for another great event.”
Entries for the Port Sunlight Road Race are open online, visit https://www.btrliverpool.com/port-sunlight-event