Two former Liverpool footballers, Jamie Carragher and Chris Kirkland, are among the runners taking part in a race to celebrate the lives of fans who died as a result of the Hillsborough disaster.
More than 1,400 runners are signed up to this year’s BTR Run For The 97. The annual event now in its 12th year, was set up to honour the 97 Liverpool football fans who died following the tragedy in 1989.
Kirkland, the club’s former goalkeeper, said it was “incredibly special” to take part.
Global participation
More than 100 virtual runners have also registered, including international participants taking part in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the USA.
Hillsborough family members and justice campaigners Margaret Aspinall, Steve Kelly, and Sue Roberts have all been involved since the event began.
Since it was first staged, Run For The 97 has helped to raise over £45,000 for good causes in the city.
‘Red and blue, we will never forget’
Alan Rothwell, BTR Liverpool Founder, said: “Run For The 97 is an incredibly special event, and we invite people to join us to walk, jog, or run to remember The 97.
“Hillsborough is something that as a city and football supporters, red and blue, we will never forget.”
Timings
The 5km (3.1 mile) fun run starts at 09:30 BST, followed by the 1 mile run at approximately 10:30.
The route
The 5km route takes runners through Stanley Park. After about 2km, it exits the park and follows the route around the outside, passing Goodison Park, Priory Road and the Arkles Lane heading for Anfield.
As runners pass along Anfield Road, the route then turns left to pass the Eternal Flame before performing a U turn to head back into Stanley Park for the finish.
Travel advice
Organisers advise runners to arrive in plenty of time. Drivers should head to the Stanley Park car park.
There are no road closures. Most of the run is within the grounds of Stanley Park or off road, with roads on the route only being restricted.
Family activities
There will be family activities including Soccer Skills with Liverpool FC Foundation and a donation point for Fans Supporting Foodbanks, a joint initiative between Liverpool and Everton supporters to tackle food poverty where people can drop off non perishable food items.
The bottom line
Twelve years. One hundred and forty runners. Over £45,000 raised.
Carragher and Kirkland will join families, campaigners, and supporters from around the world. Red and blue, together.
We will never forget. That’s the promise. And this run is proof.
