Big names support - Run for the 95 5k 2015!
A host of well known names from the
worlds of music, sport and television are supporting the inaugural Run For The
96 5K which takes place. With the likes of Coronation Street actor Les Dennis,
2015 Parliamentary candidate Andy Burnham will also be join by Alan Kennedy,
Graham Stuart and Melanie C on the start line, who knows who
The community legacy fun run is being staged to remember the 96 Liverpool fans
who lost their lives in the Hillsborough tragedy.
The familiar faces will line up alongside more than 2,000 participants this
Sunday, 19 April 2015, as they walk, jog and run round the 5K route.
Run For The 96 5K has the support of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, who
will be represented on the day.
Runners are asked to wear red and
blue commemorative T-shirts, which are
available beforehand. They will also receive a special medal and goody bag.
Prior to the start of the run at 9.30am, the crowd will be invited to take part
in one minute's applause as a mark of respect.
The route starts and finishes in Stanley Park, taking runners past Liverpool's
Anfield Stadium and close to Everton's Goodison Park.
The football grounds will provide a fitting backdrop as runners show their
respect for the 96 as they run to remember the fans lost, their families and the
survivors.
Run For The 96 5K takes place in the same week as the 26th Anniversary of the
1989 disaster.
Liverpool born Coronation Street actor Les Dennis will take part, alongside
Everton fan and Labour 2015 Parliamentary candidate, Andy Burnham.
Actor and comedian Les Dennis commented:- "When I was asked to take part
in the Run For The 96 5K I didn't even think twice. Everyone remembers that
terrible day in 1989 and hearing the news. The grief continues to be felt by the
heart of the City; which is why I just had to get involved and show my support.
Good luck to everyone on the day, may we do the 96 proud."
Les and Andy are in excellent company and join Merseyside football legends Alan
Kennedy and Graham Stuart, and Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm who have already
signed up to take part.
Liverpool fan Melanie C, also known as Sporty Spice, was the 1st to pledge her
support when the plans were 1st announced 12 months ago.
Margaret Aspinall, Chairman of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, added:-
"I'd like to thank everybody on behalf of all the families for giving their time
and commitment in memory of the 96 and, at the same time, raising funds for 2
good local causes. Good luck and I hope you all enjoy the day."
The event's official charity partners are the Liverpool FC Foundation and
Everton in the Community. The charities are providing activities on the day.
1st team players from both clubs are encouraging people to take part by signing
up this week. Liverpool's Fabio Borini and Everton's Tony Hibbert and Ross
Barkley have all thrown their support behind Run For The 96 5K.
Participants are invited to fundraise for the Liverpool FC Foundation and Everton in the Community, the charitable arms of the City's 2 football clubs to enable them to continue their fantastic work across Merseyside. This is a key part of the event's commitment to ensuring that local communities benefit from the legacy run.
All funds donated or raised will be split
equally between the 2 charities.
Run For The 96 5K is the brainchild of Liverpool fan Dom Williams, a dad of four
originally from Liverpool who now lives in the South West of England. Dom has
organised the mammoth 3 day Hillsborough to Anfield 96 mile team running
challenge for the past 3 years.
This year, the main run will be 79 miles over 2 days from Sheffield to Liverpool. The 3rd day will see Dom and the team take part in the Run For The 96 5K. The change of format is Dom's vision to create a legacy event to involve the wider community.
Dom is working with race organisers BTR Liverpool to plan and deliver the event. BTR Liverpool is the leading independent organisation for race events in Liverpool City Region, its portfolio includes the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash and BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K. Dom Williams commented:- "After 18 months in the planning, the week has arrived for the inaugural Run For The 96 5K. We genuinely cannot thank everyone enough for their support, especially our guest runners Les, Andy, Alan, Graham and especially Melanie who was the 1st to show her support a year ago. It's going to be a very proud and special moment for us as a team when we stand on the start line alongside Hillsborough family members, survivors and over 2,000 runners for the very first Run For The 96 5K. We are extremely grateful to BTR Liverpool for taking on our idea and making it a reality. We want this to become an annual legacy event. There is still time to register, come and join us as we run to remember."
Run For The 96 5K entry fee is £20 (£22 online). The entry fee will pay to stage
and deliver all aspects of the event. Entries are still open at BTR Liverpool,
23 Hatton Garden, Liverpool, L3 2FE. Participants have a choice of red or blue
T-shirt upon registration. A special book is open at BTR Liverpool for those
wishing to leave a comment about why they are taking part. This will be also
available to sign on the day. Visit:-
BTRLiverpool.com
Hillsborough-AnfieldRun.com for more
details; download a sponsor form; or make a donation direct to the joint charity
fund via Virgin Giving
page.
