Over 1,400 entries lace up for the return of 'Run for the 97'

The legacy event is back for its 12th staging, taking place in Liverpool’s Stanley Park in less than 2 weeks.

First staged back in 2025, Run For The 97 is a positive, inclusive event aimed at celebrating the lives and honouring the 97 Liverpool Football Club fans who died at Hillsborough on 15 April 1989. Last month’s anniversary marked 37 years since the disaster.

Both red and blue football fans will join in walking, jogging or running in memory of The 97. The 5K fun run begins at 9:30am and is soon followed at 10:30am by the 1 Miler.

Registering from all around the world, there will be virtual runners taking part from Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the USA.

The charity partners for this year include Jamie Carragher’s 23 Foundation; Liverpool Football Club’s official club charity LFC Foundation; and Stanley Park junior parkrun and its two sister parkruns at The Mystery Park in Wavertree and Derby Park in Bootle.

On the day, there are two former Liverpool Football Club players who are confirmed to attend, including defender Jamie Carragher and goalkeeper Chris Kirkland. Jamie and Chris have been instrumental in supporting community programmes across Liverpool.

The community event also pays tribute to the families of The 97 and the survivors, who have since tirelessly fought for justice with the utmost dignity. Today, they still continue to campaign for a Hillsborough Law.

BTR Liverpool is behind the Run For The 97 and is a leading organisation for creating, managing, and delivering headline running events across the Liverpool City Region.

The accessible 5K route will take participants through Stanley Park, along Walton Lane, Priory Road, Arkles Lane, back into the park, before passing the Eternal Flame on 97 Avenue at Anfield Stadium, before heading to the finish line in the middle of Liverpool’s iconic Sefton Park.

Family activities can also be expected to make this a great day out for all. There will also be donation points for Fans Supporting Foodbanks, where people can drop off non-perishable food items.

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

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

The event offers a platform for people to fundraise or to make a one-off charity donation. Run For The 97 has helped to raise over £45,000 for good causes in the city since it was first staged.

The entry fee for this community event pays to stage and delivering all aspects of the event such as the run numbers, T-shirts, medals, safety measures, and runner facilities.

Alan Rothwell, BTR Liverpool Founder, commented:

“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.

“We are delighted to again work alongside and support three very important charities – Jamie Carragher’s 23 Foundation, LFC Foundation, and Stanley Park junior parkrun. By working together, we can continue to educate the next generation through sport.

“Run For The 97 embodies everything that Liverpool stands for – camaraderie, compassion, pride, and strength.

“Entries are due to will close this week, so please do not miss out if you’re planning to take part and not yet registered.”

BTR Liverpool hosts a series of competitive and fun runs from March through December. The schedule features several key events, including the Liverpool Half Marathon, the Mersey Tunnel 10K, the Liverpool Santa Dash, and the Wirral 10K. It also includes the Port Sunlight and Women’s 10K and 5K races.

Last few places are still available and online entries are due to close this week, so people are advised not to miss out.