A CHARITY run honouring the lives of the 97 Liverpool Football Club fans who lost their lives at Hillsborough mark its 10th anniversary next month.
The 'Run For The 97' takes place in Stanley Park, Liverpool on Saturday, May 18.
Described as a 'community legacy fun run' it was first staged in 2015 as a positive inclusive event to celebrate and honour the lives of the 97 Liverpool Football Club fans who lost their lives at Hillsborough on April 15, 1989.
Next week marks the 35th anniversary of the disaster.
The event also remembers the families of The 97 and survivors, who have since tirelessly fought for justice with the utmost dignity. They continue to campaign for a Hillsborough Law.
Run For The 97 takes place in Stanley Park – located between the home football stadiums of the city’s two Premier League clubs, Liverpool Football Club at Anfield Stadium and Everton Football Club at Goodison Park.
So far, 700 runners have signed up to take part.
The route is accessible, and the event is open to everyone – as people are invited to walk, jog, or run to remember The 97.
The 5K route takes runners through Stanley Park, along Walton Lane, Priory Road, Arkles Lane, back into the park before passing the Eternal Flame on 97 Avenue at Anfield Stadium, where many runners pause to take a moment to pay their respects at the Hillsborough Memorial.
The route continues back into Stanley Park through to the finish line.
Run For The 97 went ahead as a virtual run in 2020 and 2021 due to the global pandemic.
Virtual registration has continued and enables national and overseas football fans to support the event.
Virtual runners are sent their run number, T-shirt, and medal prior to the event so they can take part on the same day wherever they are in the world.
The entry fee pays to stage and deliver all aspects of the event including run numbers, T-shirts and medals, virtual entries, as well as event day staging, safety, and facilities.
Run For The 97 provides a platform for participants to fundraise or to make a one-off charity donation. Since it was first staged in 2015, the event has helped to raise almost £45,000 for good causes in the city.
The official charity partners of Run For The 97 2024 are Jamie Carragher’s 23 Foundation, Liverpool Football Club’s official club charity the LFC Foundation, and Stanley Park junior parkrun.
This year’s Run For The 97 also forms part of the 23 Foundation’s celebrations for its 15th anniversary during 2024.
Participants are invited to fundraise for the three beneficiary charities who support the vision of creating a legacy to honour The 97 while ensuring local communities benefit through their work.
Monies raised will be split equally between the three charities to fund vital community outreach programmes.
The official Just Giving online donation page can be found at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/runforthe972024
"When we first staged the community legacy event in 2015, we adopted the wording Run To Remember The 97 and Always Remember.
"As we reach the 35th anniversary of Hillsborough this still rings equally as true – we must never forget.
"The poignant event celebrates the lives of The 97 in an uplifting but respectful way, but we also take time to remember the families they left behind and the survivors.
"They all remain in our hearts and minds.
"Funds raised through the official Just Giving page will be split equally between the 23 Foundation, LFC Foundation, and Stanley Park junior parkrun to support vital outreach programmes in the local communities."
To find out more or register visit https://www.btrliverpool.com/97-5k-event
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