Run For The 97 2025 at Stanley Park
Run For The 97 2025 at Stanley Park (Image: Liverpool ECHO)
Thousands of people turned Stanley Park into a sea of red as the Run For The 97 returned. The annual event celebrates and honours the lives of the 97 Liverpool FC fans who lost their lives in the Hillsborough disaster in 1989. It’s held to also remember the families and survivors, who continue to fight tirelessly for a Hillsborough Law to this day.
On Saturday, May 24, runners - and supporters of both Liverpool and Everton FC - ran 5K 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, where many runners paused to take a moment to pay their respects at the Hillsborough Memorial.
The route continues back into Stanley Park through to the finish line. Hillsborough campaigner Margaret Aspinall, who lost her 18-year-old son James at Hillsborough, thanked all those taking part and raising awareness.
Other Hillsborough campaigners Steve Kelly, who lost his brother Michael, aged 38 and Sue Roberts, former HFSG Secretary, who lost her 24-year-old brother Graham in the disaster also attended today's event.
Former LFC goalkeeper Chris Kirkland and Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram also took part in the 5K. Almost 1,400 participants took part in the run in Stanley Park.
Before the run began, racegoers sang along to Liverpool's anthem You'll Never Walk Alone and Everton's Z Cars. The event included runners from across Merseyside and also across the world from the likes of Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Norway, Oman, Qatar, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand, and United States of America.
The fun run has continued every year since 2015. During the pandemic it went ahead as a virtual run in 2020 and 2021, ensuring people could still support the cause and fundraise. You can donate to the JustGiving page here.
Take a look at the photos of the Run For The 97 below and see if you can spot yourself.
Around 1,400 people signed up for the running this morning 1 of 27
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The annual event celebrates and honours the lives of the 97 Liverpool FC fans who lost their lives in the Hillsborough disaster in 1989 2 of 27
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Runners ran past Anfield and Goodison this morning 3 of 27
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Getting ready to set off 4 of 27
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Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram also took part 5 of 27
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It's the 11th staging of the special day 6 of 27
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The event took place in Stanley Park 7 of 27