‘It’s the least a Blue nose can do’ – Speedo Mick on joining the Run For The 97

The 5k run, which was started in 2015, is taking place this Saturday May 27 around Stanley Park.

Speedo Mick says joining the Run for the 97 is the least he can do to support those who lost their lives in the Hillsborough tragedy and their families.

Mick has been involved in the event since it launched and says it’s a day which always unites Reds and Blues.

“Run for the 97 isn’t about the two different clubs because the colours merge for this and everyone rises above rivalry. As far as justice is concerned and supporting one another, you’ve got to stand together.

“It’s always been that way with Hillsborough for Everton and Liverpool – the two clubs, the fans, the community, we all just come together.

“And for me, turning up on the day and taking part in the race is a small gesture from a Blue nose and the very least I can do to keep the flame lit.”

Mick is one of many high profile guests and former Reds and Blues due to attend the run including Hillsborough family members Margaret Aspinall, Sue Roberts and Steve Kelly, Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, Jamie Carragher on behalf of his 23 Foundation, one of the official charity partners, and ex-Everton player and Everton in the Community Ambassador Ian Snodin.

As runners line up to start the 5k at 9.30am on Saturday, both anthems, You’ll Never Walk Alone and Z Cars, will be played followed by a minute’s applause for the 97.

Mick says the atmosphere every year is very special. It’s a big contrast too to his own fundraising treks, the latest of which saw him top the £1million total raised for his Speedo Mick Foundation.

“Obviously when I do the walks, I’m doing them on my own so even though I have all the people who come out and support me on the route, it’s my own personal challenge. 

“With the Run for the 97, it’s completely different in a lot of ways because everyone’s coming together, everyone’s enjoying the atmosphere and most importantly everyone’s remembering the 97 and the families who lost loved ones who fought a very long hard fight for justice.”

Run for the 97 was renamed last year in honour of LFC fan Andrew Devine who died in July 2021 after receiving life-changing injuries at Hillsborough.

It has raised more than £40,000 for charity since it was first staged in 2015 and this year proceeds will go to four different causes: The LFC Foundation, Jamie Carragher’s 23 Foundation, Everton in the Community and Stanley Park Junior Parkrun. 

Mick’s deciding whether to run in his famous blue Speedos or not, but despite still recovering physically after his 1000-mile John O’Groats to Lands End stomp, he’s looking forward to it.

“I love to run, but my left knee won’t allow me to run very far anymore. I’ll be able to manage 5k though and I definitely wasn’t going to miss this for anything.”

For more on Speedo Mick click here, and for Run for the 97 click here.