Eurotunnel, the concessionaire of the Channel Tunnel infrastructure linking the UK with France, today continues its 30th anniversary celebrations by hosting a Tunnel Run and Walk for employees.
A whopping 300 workers from the UK and France are putting their best foot forward in a race through the world’s longest underwater railway tunnel to reach French or British mainland. Starting at the mid-point, the participants, joined by CEO Yann Leriche, will take part in a 30, 10 or 5 kilometre run or walk to celebrate 30 years since it was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II.
Yann Leriche, CEO, Getlink “30 years ago, after seven years of hard work, this magnificent feat of engineering linking the UK and France was unveiled to the world. We dedicate this anniversary to our teams, old and new, in France and the UK, coming together just as the Tunnel intended, to celebrate and experience this special event in the place where it all began.”
Mark Cornwall – Tunnel Run Committee and Getlink Board Staff Representative “The Tunnel run and walk is a unique and exciting opportunity for us to commemorate 30 years of the Channel Tunnel. Throughout the last three decades I have been inspired by the skill and dedication of the Eurotunnel community. Our teams are very proud to bring this incredible infrastructure to life and this event is one of many ways for us to say thank you to those who make it all possible.”
Today, Eurotunnel’s 2,600 staff work around the clock, every day, to keep the unrivalled structure running smoothly. The Tunnel and the rail networks that connect to it welcome 21 million passengers a year and almost 500 million passengers since it opened in 1994.
It is made up of three tunnels, each 50 km long, 38 km of which is under the sea. The two rail tunnels, North and South, are linked by the service tunnel through which the runners will pass.
The Channel Tunnel remains the fastest, most reliable and environmentally friendly way to cross the Short Straits. Getlink, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Eurotunnel, is the sole manager of this infrastructure.
Image credit: Eurotunnel / Getlink
