Reds and Blues backing Hillsborough run
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 on Sunday.
The community legacy fun run is being staged to remember the 96 Liverpool fans who lost their lives at Hillsborough.
The familiar faces will line up alongside more than 2,000 participants this Sunday - April 19 - 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 Anfield and close to 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.
Liverpool-born Coronation Street actor Les Dennis will take part, alongside Everton fan and Labour MP Andy Burnham.
They will join Merseyside football legends Alan Kennedy and Graham Stuart, and Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm.
Margaret Aspinall, chair of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, said: "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 two 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.
First-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 two 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 two charities.
'The 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 also be available to sign on the day.
Visit www.BTRLiverpool.com or www.hillsborough-anfieldrun.com for more details or to download a sponsor form. Make a donation directly to the joint charity fund via Virgin Giving by clicking here.