Event Description

Run For Your Life 5K is a memorial run honoring the life of Laken Hope Riley. On February 22, 2024, Laken, a 22-year-old nursing student, went for a run on UGA’s campus and never returned home. She loved life, running, and Jesus, and many remember her for faithfully running her race with Christ.

Though her life was taken far too soon, Laken continues to bring hope. This run unites women to be bold in their faith, to run for their lives, and to love as she loved.

Join us at Tate Plaza for fellowship, worship, prayer, and a message from her family as we honor Laken’s life and pray for the safety of the Athens community.

All proceeds with go to the Laken Hope Foundation. 

The Laken Hope Foundation honors Laken Riley by supporting causes she loved: safety awareness for women, aid and tuition for nursing students, and children’s healthcare. Laken was a beloved friend, sister, daughter, and faithful follower of Christ whose life was tragically cut short on February 22, 2024. Our mission is to promote safety and hope for women, keeping her spirit alive.

Website: lakenhopefoundation.com 

God bless, Athens, Georgia.

Memorial Walk/Run Schedule:

In Memory of Laken Riley

7:00am - 12:00 PM

7:00 -7:30 AM

Check in & Registration | Memorial Table Open | Prayer Cards Available 

7:30 - 7:45 AM 

Opening Memorial Service | Welcome | Prayer | Reflection and Moment of Silence

7:45 - 8:00 AM 

Race Instructions & Blessings | Send Off

8:00 AM 

Walk/Run Begins

8:00 - 9:30 AM 

Walk/Run in Progress | Water Stations Open | Volunteers on Course 

9:30 - 10:00 AM 

Post-Race Gathering | Light Refreshments | Community Fellowship 

10:00 - 12:00 AM

A message shared by her Family and Friends | Worship and Closing Words

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7 

The Lord Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.

Deuteronomy 31:8