Community members are uniting to honor Laken Hope Riley and generate support for the foundation established in her memory. This weekend, Athens will host the inaugural memorial walk-and-run, followed by a public service featuring remarks from Riley’s family and Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.).
The “Run for Your Life Walk/Run 5K” is set to kick off at 8 a.m. ET on Saturday, February 21st, at Tate Plaza, located at 809 South Lumpkin Street in Athens, Georgia. This event pays tribute to the late Laken Hope Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student at Augusta University who tragically lost her life during a morning run on the University of Georgia campus on February 22, 2024. Jose Antonio Ibarra, a Venezuelan national who entered the U.S. illegally in September 2022, was arrested, indicted, and later convicted in November 2024 on multiple charges, including kidnapping and murder, receiving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
According to the event details, Riley was known for her passionate love for life, running, and her faith in Jesus. Many recall her as someone who ran her race with Christ. Even though her life was cut short, Laken is still an inspiration, bringing hope to those who knew her. The event aims to empower the community to come together in faith, promoting love as Laken did. The program also references 2 Timothy 4:7, which speaks about fighting the good fight and finishing the race.
The memorial service, which is open to everyone without a race admission fee, will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The ceremony will include greetings from Riley’s family, a Q&A session with Congressman Mike Collins, who introduced the Laken Riley Act, and a message titled “Run For Your Life” from New Grace Church Pastor Derek Anglin, followed by a prayer service.
Most of the funds raised from the event will support the Laken Hope Foundation, which aims to honor Riley by advocating for women’s safety, providing aid and tuition for nursing students, and enhancing health care for children.
Elizabeth Sun Designs, a family-operated workshop known for its handcrafted products, is collaborating with Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) at the University of Georgia to host this event. Thirteen sponsors from various sectors, including design, wellness, construction, auto sales, janitorial services, animal protection, and specialty foods, are backing this initiative.
Governor Scott Walker, the president of the Young America Foundation, expressed gratitude to the young leaders for keeping Riley’s memory alive and emphasized the need to prevent future tragedies like hers.
Macy Rutledge from Elizabeth Sun Designs mentioned that the idea for the 5K came after learning about the arrest of the Venezuelan president by President Trump, knowing that Riley’s murderer was Venezuelan as well. She felt compelled to take action for Laken and hopes to establish this as an annual event to keep her memory alive. “This is just the beginning,” Rutledge stated, expressing gratitude for the sponsors committed to shining a light on the darkness and uniting Athens under faith.
Reflecting on the 5K, Rutledge noted, “Räken could have been me.” She shared her feelings of insecurity in Athens now, hoping for eventual improvement. She is passionate about guiding people towards faith, believing that, once encountered with Jesus, everything else starts to align.
For those unable to attend, Rutledge indicated that support can still be shown by posting online and praying for Athens. University of Georgia YAF President Nick Camerzel expressed his enthusiasm for the event, seeing it as a meaningful initiative that aligns with his values. Co-chair Dashain Jay mentioned that around 400 people had registered as of Tuesday. She became more acquainted with Laken’s story by knowing her sister, Lauren, from elementary school.
In light of protests against ICE at UGA, the YAF chapter decided to participate in the race and memorial to represent its beliefs, wanting to reflect the truth in their stances. Jay highlighted their commitment to engaging in discussions grounded in prayer and boldness before events.
Jay also reflected on the event’s title, “Run for Your Life,” saying it symbolizes not fleeing from fear but running toward hope, which ties back to Laken’s middle name—Hope.
Recently, the University of Georgia YAF held an event focused on immigration policy that drew inspiration from Peter Schweitzer’s bestselling book, “The Invisible Coup.” The organization plans to continue hosting various campus events, including a visit from Chloe Cole on February 23rd.
