Run for the 96 5K goes virtual this weekend
The seventh annual Run for the 96 will take place this Saturday.
Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, the community legacy event will be a virtual run for the second year, allowing participants to complete a 5K or one-mile distance local to them, as well as enabling runners and football fans across the world to get involved.
Liverpool FC legends Alan Kennedy and Jamie Carragher will be taking part virtually and everyone taking part has the chance to win a signed, personalised Carragher LFC shirt.
This year’s entry fee has been reduced to reflect the virtual format and no T-shirts will be produced this year due to the event change. Runners will, however, receive their number to wear on virtual run day, as well as their special commemorative medal.
Run for the 96 was first staged in 2015 as a positive community legacy event to celebrate the lives of the 96 Liverpool fans who died in the Hillsborough tragedy on April 15, 1989.
The event also remembers the families of the 96 and the survivors, who have tirelessly fought for justice with the utmost dignity. The event has previously had the support of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, which disbanded earlier this year.
To date, Run for the 96 has now raised more than £30,000 for charities. This year’s official beneficiaries are: 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.
BTR race director Alan Rothwell said: “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 one-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 May 22.”
Last year’s virtual Run for the 96 saw 1,600 runners take part across the world, raising £6,700, which was split equally between the beneficiaries.
Once again, the four beneficiaries will receive an equal share of all monies raised through sponsorship and donations made through the dedicated Run for the 96 2021 Just Giving charity page, which can be found at https://justgiving.com/campaign/runforthe96.
If you would like to take part in this year’s virtual Run for the 96, please visit https://www.btrliverpool.com/965k.