The countdown is on for the 11th Run For The 97, as it officially launched this week with over 1,200 participants already signed up to take part in the legacy event on Saturday 24 May. The community fun run, held in Stanley Park between Anfield and Goodison Park, will see football fans in red and blue walk, jog or run side by side to honour the 97 Liverpool FC fans who lost their lives in the Hillsborough disaster.

This year’s event is particularly poignant as it marks the final time the race will take place between the two football grounds before Everton relocates to Bramley-Moore Dock. Participants will once again pass the Eternal Flame on 97 Avenue at Anfield before finishing in the heart of Stanley Park.

A special launch event at Hotel Tia, hosted by Ragnhild Lund Ansnes, welcomed guests including Hillsborough campaigners Margaret Aspinall, Steve Kelly and Sue Roberts; Liverpool FC legends Jamie Carragher and Chris Kirkland; and Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram.

This year’s charity partners are Jamie Carragher’s 23 Foundation, LFC Foundation, and three Liverpool junior parkruns – Stanley Park, The Mystery Park in Wavertree, and Derby Park in Bootle. Funds raised will support community outreach programmes, with more than £45,000 already raised since the event began in 2015.

BTR Liverpool Race Director Alan Rothwell said: “Run For The 97 is a powerful community legacy, honouring The 97 while supporting local causes. It’s not a competitive race – it’s about people coming together to remember, reflect and make a difference.”

Jamie Carragher added: “It’s so fitting that we have Run For The 97 to always remember – and we always will. It’s a brilliant way to get active for a great cause, especially here in Stanley Park between our two clubs.”

If you'd like to know more visit the BTR Liverpool website.

Image: BTR Liverpool