'Run For The 97' in memory of Hillsborough marks 10th year

The 'Run For The 97' took place in Stanley Park, Liverpool on Saturday, May 18. Described as a 'community legacy fun run' the event, 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.

A further 200 runners took part virtually across the UK and world. They were sent their run number, T-shirt, and medal so they could feel part of the event wherever they were taking part.

Donations and sponsor money can still be added to the official Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/runforthe972024

The date has already been announced for next year’s event – Saturday, May 24, 2025. Entries are open now at http://www.btrliverpool.com

Special guests on the day included former Liverpool Football Club players Jamie Carragher, Chris Kirkland, Alan Kennedy, and Sammy Lee.

They were joined by Hillsborough family members and Hillsborough Law campaigners Margaret Aspinall, Steve Kelly, and Sue Roberts.

The event was co-hosted by Graeme White, match-day announcer at Everton FC’s Goodison Park, and In Demand Radio presenter Claire Simmo.

Hillsborough family members and justice campaigners Margaret Aspinall, Steve Kelly and Sue Roberts have all been involved since the event was created.

Margaret Aspinall is the former Chair of the now disbanded Hillsborough Family Support Group (HFSG), she lost her 18-year-old son James at Hillsborough. Steve Kelly lost his brother Michael, aged 38. Steve helped to create and shape the event. Sue Roberts, former HFSG Secretary, lost her 24-year-old brother Graham in the disaster.

Jamie and Nicola Carragher and Liverpool City Region's Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram took part in the 'Run for the 97' on May 18 (Image: Erica Dillon)

Reds and Blues stood side by side as football club anthems Liverpool FC’s You’ll Never Walk Alone and Everton FC’s Z Cars were played as runners gathered before the fun run, before joining in with a minute’s applause.

The 5K runners crossed the start line to the sound of The Justice Collective’s cover of The Hollies’ classic He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother – the song which unites Liverpool and Everton and shows the solidarity of the Red and Blue sides of the city. Youngsters running in the 1 Mile set off to the sound of The Farm’s Altogether Now.

The day included visitors from Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Qatar, Thailand, and across the United States of America.

Run For The 97 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 15 April 1989. This year’s anniversary marked the 35th anniversary of the disaster.

The event also remembers the families of The 97 and the survivors, who have since tirelessly fought for justice with the utmost dignity. They continue to campaign for a Hillsborough Law.

BTR Liverpool Race Director Alan Rothwell said: "A heartfelt thank you to everyone who took part, supported, or volunteered at the milestone 10th Run For The 97 5K community legacy fun run. This was an extra special poignant year.

"Run For The 97 was first staged in 2015 and has continued to be uplifting and thought provoking for everyone involved.

"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.

"It's wonderful and important to see more and more young people taking part each year as they learn about Hillsborough and a need for Hillsborough Law, as well as taking part in sport to promote health and wellbeing.

"A key part of the community legacy aspect to the event.

"Funds raised for the three official charities – 23 Foundation, LFC Foundation, and Stanley Park junior parkrun – will help to support their vital work and programmes in the local community and make a huge difference to so many lives."