Red or blue? Which camp are you in? Time is running out to grab your spot at this year's Run For The 97 - as the community legacy fun run takes place in Stanley Park in Liverpool this weekend (27 May). 

The event was first staged in 2015 as a positive community legacy event to celebrate and honour the lives of the then 96 Liverpool Football Club fans who lost their lives at Hillsborough on 15 April 1989.

This year’s race was officially launched last week by former Liverpool FC goalkeeping legend Bruce Grobbelaar who made 628 appearances for The Reds and won 13 major trophies during 13 successful years at the club and is Liverpool FC’s most decorated goalkeeper.

BTR Liverpool's Alan Rothwell commented: “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."

Run For The 97 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. Margaret has championed the event since it was first launched and has attended each year.

Steve Kelly lost his brother Michael, aged 38. Steve has been involved with RFT97 since the start and has also taken part every year. Sue Roberts, former HFSG Secretary, lost her 24-year-old brother Graham at Hillsborough. Sue has taken part every year, including the two virtual runs in 2020 and 2021. Margaret, Steve, and Sue continue the campaign for a Hillsborough Law.

Run For The 97 takes place in Liverpool’s Stanley Park, located between Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium and Everton's Goodison Park. It provides the perfect backdrop for the event which brings together the red and blue sides of the city.

Those signing up now can collect their RFT97 top (this year a bright orange) on event morning to wear for the run – demonstrating a display of unity and remembrance. Those taking part in the 1 mile fun run are encouraged to wear a football shirt or club colours of their choice. All 5K and 1 Mile finishers will be presented with a Run For The 97 commemorative medal.

Making this an occasion for the whole family, there will be family activities and soccer skills hosted by the LFC Foundation and Everton in the Community. Fans Supporting Foodbanks will be there to collect non-perishable food bank donations and refreshment concessions attending will support the event by making a donation to the charity fund.

To find out more and enter now, visit the website.

Image: Paul Francis Cooper/BTR Liverpool