Join Kennedy for the Big Heart 5K

The event, which was set up four years ago in memory of Toffees legend Alan Ball, is a team race between Liverpool and Everton fans to raise money for local charities and the Reds currently boast a 3-1 lead over their Merseyside rivals.

This year Kennedy, who won two European Cups during his time at Anfield, is running the race in support of the LFC Foundation's health and wellbeing programmes.

"The event is set to be a great day," said Kennedy. "I encourage all Reds fans to take part.

"Even if you haven't run it before, it's a great team event for both sets of fans, it's great fun and, most of all, it helps some really good local causes."

The Reds have had the edge over the Evertonians in this event over the last three years with the Blues winning the first Big Heart 5K back in 2008.

Since its inception, the event has supported a number of Everton and Liverpool based charities including The Marina Dalglish Appeal and Jamie Carragher's 23 Foundation.

This year's run will start at 10am in Walton Hall on Sunday, September 2, 2012 and anyone wishing to join in is asked to be there at 9.30am wearing their team colours.

The event's official sponsor is local printing and embroidering company Fitwell, whose managing director, Tim Edwards, said: "As a local company we are extremely proud to be sponsoring the event. 

"I am a huge football fan and really looking forward to the competitive element of the event."

For the first time in the event's history, participants will be electronically timed with the winners being decided by best overall average time.

British heavyweight champion David Price is an ambassador for the race and he has urged everyone to take part.

"It is a really good thing for Reds and Blues fans to come together," he said. "Football aside, we are all one at the end of the day and as a city we should stand together - that is what is important."

To take part in the Big Heart 5K and help raise funds for the LFC Foundation, visit RunLiverpool. Sponsorship forms will be sent out once entry has been confirmed.

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