The BTR Port Sunlight 10K and family race day returns for 2015 with an earlier date in the running calendar of Sunday, 1 March.

The BTR Port Sunlight 10K offers runners of all levels the chance to participate in two loops of the flat course, taking in key sights of the picturesque village along the way. The day also includes a 5K race and a 1K fun run for children.

The race day is being hosted by BTR for the third successive year, and organised in conjunction with Port Sunlight Village Trust.

Unilever has enjoyed a strong connection to Port Sunlight since 1888 and continues to have major manufacturing, R&D and IT facilities in the village. The company is supporting the event for the second consecutive year through Project Sunlight – its movement for people everywhere who want to make the world a better place for their children and future generations.

The day’s proceedings will start with the 5K race at 10am, followed by the 10K at 11am. The children’s 1K Fun Run will set off at approximately 12.30pm, once all the 10K runners have returned after completing the course. A number of runners have already registered to take part in both the 5K and 10K races.

The event has previously been staged in May, but due to a large number of major events taking place across Liverpool City Region in May, organisers decided to bring the date forward two months.

All finishers in the 5K and 10K races receive a commemorative medal and technical T-shirt. Children taking part in the 1K fun run will receive a finishers’ medal and a mini goodie bag.

Participating runners will also benefit from free entry into Port Sunlight Museum on the day by showing their race number to the visitor services team.

The museum, managed by Port Sunlight Village Trust, explores the unique significance of Port Sunlight – its people, architecture, landscape and planning – and also includes a gift shop and tea room.

Runners are encouraged to register early as last year’s event saw an increase in numbers across all three races with an overall total of 1,800. The 5K race sold out at 300 places, and the 1K fun run sold out with 200 keen youngsters taking part.

Entries are open for the 5K and 10K races. Entries for the children’s 1K fun run are only available on the day – and parents/guardians are asked to register their interest in advance by emailing alan@btrliverpool.com

BTR Liverpool is the leading independent organisation for managing and delivering race events in Liverpool City Region.

BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell said:

“The annual BTR Port Sunlight race day is very popular with runners of all ages and abilities. Last year we introduced an improved course and received excellent feedback, so we are keeping the course the same for 2015. We are delighted to be returning to such a picturesque location for the third successive year, and we’re looking forward to seeing the event grow further.”

Katherine Lynch, Heritage Manager at Port Sunlight Village Trust, commented:

“With its well-manicured parks and wide boulevards, Port Sunlight is a perfect location for race events. We welcome BTR back to the village to stage what has become an established and popular annual event. It is fantastic news that Unilever is again supporting the event to add to the overall experience for participants.”

Unilever Port Sunlight Works Director, Andy Hinch, added:

“Port Sunlight is the historic home of Unilever so we are proud to support the Village Trust by sponsoring the BTR Port Sunlight 10K and 5K races, it again promises to be a great day. Unilever’s history is rooted in Port Sunlight and the village has inspired many people over the years, which makes it the ideal name of our Project Sunlight campaign to create a brighter future.”

The BTR Port Sunlight 10K and 5K races are the latest events in a year-long joint fundraising partnership between BTR Liverpool and its five official charities.

The BTR Footsteps Fundraisers initiative will bring the charities together to benefit financially through BTR’s key race events over the next 12 months by encouraging participants to fundraise and support them.

The five BTR Footsteps Fundraisers official charities are Radio City’s Cash For Kids, Claire House Children’s Hospice, Everton in the Community, Jospice, and Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. More details can be found at www.everydayhero.co.uk/event/supportbtrfootsteps

Race details and online registration can be found at www.BTRLiverpool.com