More than 1500 people taking on tenth 'Run For The 97'

It's to celebrate and honour the lives of the 97 Liverpool fans who lost their lives at Hillsborough

Author: Harry BoothPublished 18th May 2024

More than 1500 people are taking on the tenth annual 'Run For the 97' at Stanley Park.

They're taking on either a 5K or one-mile run to celebrate and honour the lives of the 97 Liverpool fans who lost their lives at Hillsborough 35 years ago.

It also recognises the families and survivors, who continue their fight for justice, which includes the campaign for a Hillsborough Law.

There are runners coming from Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Qatar, Thailand, and the USA.

Some people are taking place virtually to complete the event from wherever they are in the world.

Hillsborough family members and justice campaigners Margaret Aspinall, Steve Kelly, and Sue Roberts are attending, as are Liverpool legends Jamie Carragher, (on behalf of his 23 Foundation), Chris Kirkland, Alan Kennedy and Sammy Lee.

Jamie Carragher

The event has raised almost £45,000 for good causes in the city since it was first staged in 2015.

Money raised will be split between the 23 Foundation, the LFC Foundation, and Stanley Park junior parkrun and its two sister parkruns at The Mystery park in Wavertree and Derby Park in Bootle.

Among those running are Speedo Mick, who was just awarded the city's Citizen of Honour accolade, and 94 year old Dennis Adelsberg from Lathom, near Ormskirk.

The 5k starts at 9:30am, with the one-mil run beginning from 10:30am.

The 5k 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, where many runners will pause to take a moment to pay their respects at the Hillsborough Memorial.

The Route then goes back into Stanley Park and onto the finish line.

Family attractions and activities are also taking place, and Fans Supporting Foodbanks will be there to collect food donations.

A two-metre sculpture called 'Superkloppbanana' will also be there - it was bought by Liverpool fan Anita Harwood at a charity auction and has given it a makeover with Jurgen's trademark baseball cap, glasses, beard and smile to say thankyou to Klopp for his time at Liverpool.

Those attending can have a photo or a selfie taken in return for a cash charity donation, with the funds being given to the official RFT97 JustGiving page and split between the three charities.

Rock Choiur Liverpool will be singing live on the route.

BTR Liverpool Race Director Alan Rothwell commented:

"Since the very first Run For The 97 back in 2015, the event has continued to be uplifting, poignant, and means so much to people. It really has become a strong community legacy. It’s a very special date in the BTR calendar as we come together and run to remember The 97.

"We celebrate the lives of the 97 Liverpool fans in a respectful way, but we also take time to remember the families left behind and the survivors. They all remain in our hearts and minds.

"The day provides a platform to fundraise for three incredible charities. The 23 Foundation, LFC Foundation, and Stanley Park junior parkrun provide vital programmes and activities in the community, and their work continues to make a huge difference to so many lives."

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