APEX, N.C. — Hundreds of runners completed multiple 10-mile races on the American Tobacco Trail Saturday.
The event was hosted by the Roadrunners Club, but these were no ordinary races.
What You Need To Know
- The Roadrunners Club hosted several races Saturday honoring the life and memory of Sue Karnatz
- Karnatz was one of five people killed in Raleigh's deadly mass shooting
- Runners signed two large condolence cards before the race
It was all in honor of Susan Karnatz, who tragically lost her life after she was shot and killed in the middle of an afternoon run last Thursday.
Four more people died, and two are recovering. The suspect is in critical condition.
“It's exciting to see all of our runner friends here," said Brad Broyals, director of races.
There’s reason to smile on this chilly Saturday morning, and there's reason to remember and honor.
“Emotions are mixed. It's sad to know they can't be here, or to work, volunteer or run with Sue again," Broyals said.
Karnatz, 49, an avid runner and friend of Broyals, was a member of the Roadrunners Club for years.
“We have two large condolence signs for the runners to sign today," Broyals said.
Messages like, "We run for Sue" and "Heaven keep you in a special space" were spread out everywhere on the massive cards.
They were delivered to a memorial for Sue later Saturday.
Broyals says Saturday's Roadrunner races on the American Tobacco Trail have never been bigger.
About 600 participants came out, all running for Sue.
“This is the biggest one we've ever had. I'm hoping that's cause people wanted to come and support Sue," Broyals said.
There was a celebration of Sue's life Saturday at 2 p.m. Media was not allowed.
The family asks that instead of flowers, people consider donating to a cause Sue loved like helping animals or encouraging kids to read as they continue to honor her memory.