The countdown is on for one of the most significant and inclusive events in the city’s calendar, as red and blue supporters prepare to stand side-by-side in Stanley Park.
Entries are now open for the community legacy event Run For The 97, with just six weeks to go until the fun run on Saturday, 23 May 2026.
This year marks the 12th staging of the special day, which sees participants walk, jog, or run through the parkland located between Liverpool FC’s Anfield Stadium and Everton FC’s Goodison Park, the new home of Everton Women.
The event features a 5K fun run starting at 9.30 am, followed by a 1 Miler at approximately 10.30 am.
For those unable to attend in person, virtual entries remain open, allowing football fans across the UK and further afield to receive their run number, T-shirt, and medal to take part from afar.
Honouring a Lasting Legacy
First staged in 2015, Run For The 97 is a positive, inclusive event designed to celebrate the lives and honour the 97 Liverpool Football Club fans who died at Hillsborough on 15 April 1989.
The upcoming anniversary marks 37 years since the disaster.
The event also serves to remember the families of The 97 and the survivors who have since tirelessly fought for justice with the utmost dignity.
They continue to campaign for a Hillsborough Law.
Hillsborough family members and justice campaigners Margaret Aspinall, Steve Kelly, and Sue Roberts have all been involved since the event began.
Margaret Aspinall is the former Chair of the now disbanded Hillsborough Family Support Group (HFSG) and lost her 18-year-old son James at Hillsborough.
Steve Kelly lost his brother Michael, aged 38, and helped to create and shape the event, Sue Roberts, former HFSG Secretary, lost her 24-year-old brother Graham.
Supporting Vital Community Outreach
The event provides a platform for participants to fundraise or to make a one-off charity donation.
Since it was first staged, Run For The 97 has helped to raise over £45,000 for good causes in the city.
This year’s official charity partners are Jamie Carragher’s 23 Foundation, the LFC Foundation, and Stanley Park junior parkrun alongside its two sister park runs at The Mystery Park in Wavertree and Derby Park in Bootle.
The trio of charities support the vision of creating a legacy to honour The 97, while ensuring local communities benefit through their work.
Funds raised will be split equally between the charities for vital community outreach programmes.
Join the Run to Remember
The 5K accessible route takes runners through Stanley Park, along Walton Lane, Priory Road, and 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 the park.
Organised by BTR Liverpool, the event is open to everyone regardless of ability. BTR Liverpool Founder Alan Rothwell commented:
“Run For The 97 is well established in the BTR event calendar.
“It is rooted in community and its legacy celebrates the lives and honours the 97 Liverpool Football Club fans lost at Hillsborough in 1989.
“It is paramount that we always remember, and through the event we can educate youngsters through sport.
“The event is inclusive and open to everyone.
“It’s heartwarming to see so many people walk, jog, or run and be part of the event, it’s not a competitive race.
“Run For The 97 is incredibly special, the day embodies inspiration, positivity, and real strength. Let’s Run To Remember The 97 on 23 May.”
Registration is open here at for those wishing to take part on 23 May.
