It’s been a couple of weeks since the verdict at the Hillsborough inquest was announced and it was a momentous moment for the families. Certainly it is a moment worth celebrating as we hope they are entering the final stages of achieving recognition for the innocent and accountability for the guilty. 

It seems fitting that Liverpool has been gathering in various guises since to celebrate the verdict and the running community will be paying its tribute too when it gets together next week for the ‘Run for the 96’. It’s a wonderful 5km route  through Stanley Park and its surrounds and it’d be awesome to see you there. 

But why should you think about getting involved? Well I have a few good reasons;

• The verdict from the inquests deserves to be celebrated
• This event is part of the positive lasting legacy of the 96 victims of the Hillsborough tragedy
• It’s an opportunity for the community to come together not just in memory of the 96 but for those who have campaigned to say thank you
• Getting a bit of exercise on a Sunday morning never did anyone any harm
• Liverpool fans might be celebrating the winning of their first European title in a decade and want to share the love
• Liverpool fans might be commiserating the loss of their first European title in a decade and want to share their pain
• I’m going to need a great big crowd to help cheer me home after completing 80 miles in hours before the ‘Run for the 96’
• The medal is awesome
• The T-Shirt is awesome
• You get to witness UltraBoy beat his own father across the line Dick Dastardly style

So join in on Sunday 22nd May 2016 for a 5km that promises to have laughter and tears aplenty in the heart of Stanley Park, Liverpool. You don’t need to be a football fan, an elite athlete or even wear a shell suit – this is one event that really is all inclusive.

Find out more here and you can sign up here and I’ll look forward to running alongside you next weekend.

Photograph copyright: Liverpool Echo