Thousands of runners rally around US to ‘Finish Eliza’s Run’

Chattanooga runners take part

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – Thousands of people in cities across the U.S. have finished Eliza’s run. Friday morning’s nationwide event was organized as a tribute to Eliza Fletcher, who was forced into a vehicle during her pre-dawn run a week ago in Memphis, Tennessee.

A suspect was swiftly identified and charged with her kidnapping and murder. The killing of the 34-year-old kindergarten teacher and mother of two shocked people nationwide, and is particularly upsetting to women runners.

Many female athletes fear working out alone or in secluded places. Such killings are exceedingly rare, but many report being harassed or worse.

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