Run For The 97 returns to Stanley Park

The event honours the 97 Liverpool fans who lost their lives as a result of the Hillsborough disaster

This year's Run For The 97 was launched at Hotel Tia
Author: Harry BoothPublished 27th May 2023

Hundreds of people are taking part in the ninth annual Run For The 97 in Stanley Park.

They'll be walking, jogging or running the 5k or one-mile fun-run to celebrate and honour the 97 Liverpool fans who lost their lives because of the Hillsborough disaster.

The event also remembers the families and the survivors, who continue to fight tirelessly for justice.

This year's run was officially launched by former Liverpool goalkeeper Bruce Grobelaar, who was on the pitch on the fateful day in April 1989.

He represented Jamie Carragher and his 23 Foundation.

BTR Liverpool Race Director Alan Rothwell said:

"Run For The 97 is a very poignant and uplifting event – a positive community legacy event to remember The 97, their families, and the survivors. On Saturday 27 May we will once again come together in Stanley Park – red and blue standing side by side – as we walk, jog, or run to remember The 97 in a respectful and fitting way.

"The event provides a platform to raise money in memory of The 97. The funds are split equally between our four official charities to support vital outreach projects and programmes."

The event is supported by Margaret Aspinall, former chair of the now disbanded Hillsborough Family Support Group (HFSG), who lost her 18-year old son James at Hillsborough.

Family member Steve Kelly lost his brother Michael. He, along with Margaret and Sue Roberts, is campaigning for a Hillsborough Law.

Steve said:

"We hope to have an independent advocate allocated to immediately support families in any crisis that occurs and access to legal funding, which was denied for so long for Hillsborough families.

"We would be promoting through the Hillsborough Law for them very facts to be put in place.

"This event, the Run For The 97, is a great stage for us to ensure that people will listen to us, look at us and think this is how communities stick together and this is how communities overturn wrongs."

Runners from Cyprus, Denmark, Ireland and Thailand have travelled to Liverpool for the event.

It's also being held virtually - with participants from the likes of America, Germany, Ireland and Norway.

This year's event T-shirt is vibrant orange to demonstrate a display of unity and remembrance.

Many of those taking part in the one mile fun run are wearing a football shirt or club colours of their choice.

Every finisher will be presented with a Run For The 97 commemorative medal.

More than ÂŁ40,000 has been raised for good causes in the city since the event debuted in 2015.

Money raised this year will be split evenly between Jamie Carragher's 23 Foundation, LFC Foundation, Everton in the Community and Stanley Park junior parkrun.

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