Image: BTR Liverpool
96 Reasons To Run
Liverpool's Run For the 96 charity event will be a virtual occasion for the second year.
Don’t hang up your virtual running shoes just yet as it has been confirmed that the seventh annual Run For The 96 scheduled to take place on 22 May will be a remote event for the second year running.
The virtual format will allow participants to complete a 5K or 1 mile distance local to them, and also enable runners and football fans across the world to get involved in this poignant event which remembers the lives of the 96 Liverpool fans who died in the Hillsborough tragedy on 15 April 1989.
More than 600 participants have already registered with some of these entrants taking part internationally in countries such as Denmark, France, Germany, Malaysia, Norway, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand and the USA! All runners will receive their number to wear on virtual run day, as well as a special commemorative medal.
Liverpool Football Club legends Alan Kennedy and Jamie Carragher will also be taking part virtually, indeed Alan Kennedy has taken part every year since the event was first staged in 2015, including last year’s virtual run.
BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell commented: “Due to the ongoing global Covid-19 health pandemic, once again we are hosting Run For The 96 as a virtual event. We are living in extraordinary circumstances, but it is so important that we continue to honour The 96 in this special way.
“Walk, jog or run the 5K or 1 mile distance wherever you are in the world. You could complete your chosen distance with a friend, socially distanced of course! Until we can stand side by side again in Stanley Park, let’s come together virtually and run to remember The 96 on Saturday 22 May 2021.”
Everyone taking part, sponsoring a runner or making a one-off donation has the chance to win one of three LFC jerseys donated and signed by Liverpool FC legend Jamie Carragher. If you’re feeling creative then there’s one more way you can get your name in the draw and that is by entering the photo competition. Simply take a picture showing your run number and/or medal to be included in the online gallery from which Jamie Carragher will be judging and looking for the most inventive picture.
Jamie commented: “Run For The 96 is a very special event, and I’m delighted to donate three signed shirts and take part virtually again this year. Celebrating the lives of The 96 and ensuring we honour their memory is hugely important to me.
“I’m looking forward to judging the picture competition, I’m sure we’ll receive some exciting pictures. It’s a real privilege to be involved, both running and as an official charity, alongside three other incredible beneficiaries. I’m already looking forward to joining everyone on the start line in Stanley Park next year.”
Pictures must be submitted by midnight on Monday 31 May 2021 to be included in the competition.
Run For The 96 has now raised more than £30,000 for charities since the event was first staged. This year’s official beneficiaries are the LFC Foundation; Jamie Carragher’s 23 Foundation; Everton in the Community; and Stanley Park Liverpool CIC. Together, they support the vision of creating a legacy event to honour The 96 while ensuring local communities benefit.
Register for Run For The 96 by visiting the event website.