Race news: Big Heart 5K - Sunday, Septemer 2, 2012
Liverpool and Everton legends are calling on their fans to run the Big Heart 5K race to help raise funds for local charities across the city.
The Big Heart 5K was set up four years ago in memory of Everton legend Alan Ball who tragically died of a heart attack in 2007.
Everton legend, Joe Royle, will officially start the race. He said: “This is set to be a fantastic running event and a great day for all the family. The big heart 5K run is about supporting a healthy lifestyle and to encourage participation through the ages.”
The run will start at 10am in Walton Hall on Sunday 2nd September 2012 and anyone wishing to join in is asked to be there at 9.30am wearing their team colors or one of the red or blue t-shirts provided.
Today Everton legend Graeme Sharp joined Reds legend Alan Kennedy, MP Steve Rotheram and members of the official charity partners, Everton In The Community (community.evertonfc.com/) and The Liverpool FC Foundation with mascots Changy and Mighty Red to officially launch the event at Goodison Park.
Graeme said: “This is a really important event, I’d like to see as many people as possible take part to benefit both charities so they can continue their great work in the community and beyond. With the local rivalry between the clubs there is everything at stake for blues to get up and running to pull back a win due to our current 3-1 defeat, I’m hopeful we stand a good chance this year.”
Liverpool Legend, Alan Kennedy, has chosen to support Liverpool FC’s official charity, the Liverpool FC Foundation, to support its Health and Wellbeing programmes. He said: “The event is set to be a great day I encourage all 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.”
Mark Haig of Liverpool FC’s Action for Health programme said of the event: “Heart disease is one of the biggest health challenges in the city. Both clubs coming together for this event will not only raise awareness, but will also encourage supporters to take part and promote physical activity as a great way to maintain a healthy heart.”
The event’s official sponsor is local printing and embroidering company, Fitwell. 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.
Taking part in the event this year is race ambassador MP Steve Rotheram, he said: “Turning up and running, that’s what it is all about, taking part. This is fun competition, which will raise funds for some excellent charities and it’s great to do so with Reds and Blues side by side.”
Race ambassador and British Heavyweight Champion, David Price will also take part, he said: “I urge everyone to take part. It is a really good thing for Reds and Blues fans to come together. 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 Everton In The Community and the Liverpool FC Foundation visit: runliverpoolfestivalofrunning.co.uk
Sponsorship forms will be sent out once entry has been confirmed.
To enter the Big Heart 5K go to www.runliverpool.org.uk
