Run for Your Life *Walk/Run* 5K

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 Athens to be bold in their faith, to run for their lives, and to love as she loved.

The memorial service is open to the public and will begin at 10am and end at 12pm. Shirt size guaranteed to those registered BEFORE February 14th, 2026.  All those registering after will receive a shirt in their size while supplies last. 

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.

Majority of funds raised will 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 

Memorial Service is open to the public. Race admission is not required.

Schedule:

7:00 -7:30 AM  |  Check in & Registration | 

7:40 - 7:50 AM  |Welcome | Prayer | Reflection and Moment of Silence

7:55 - 8:00 AM   |  Race Instructions & Blessings | Send Off

8:00 - 9:30 AM  |  Walk/Run in Progress | 

9:30 - 10:00 AM  |  Post-Race Gathering | Light Refreshments | Community Fellowship

Memorial Service Begins. (Open to public)

10:00am Laken Rileys Family

10:15am Mike Collins Q&A (Authored the Laken Riley Act)

10:30am Pastor Derek Anglin of New Grace Church "Run For Your Life"

11:00-12:00 Worship and Closing Words 

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

2 Timothy 4:7 

Competitive Awards
• Top 3 Overall Male
• Top 3 Overall Female
• Age Group Winners (1st Place Only):
• - 14 & Under (Male & Female)
• - 15–19 (Male & Female)
• - 20–29 (Male & Female)
• - 30–39 (Male & Female)
• - 40–49 (Male & Female)
• - 50+ (Male & Female)

Memorial & Legacy Awards
• Community Champion (1 recipient)
• Perseverance Award (1 recipient)
• Heart of the Race Award (1–2 recipients)
-Best outfit or team theme (1 recipient)

Parking may be best found at North Deck and Tate 

Early packet pick-up will be available at Athens Health & Fitness on Friday, February 20th, 2026 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm