RUNNING FOR LIZA: More than 1,400 runners to complete Eliza Fletcher's jog in memory of slain heiress
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE: Eliza Fletcher, the billionaire heiress, and a kindergarten teacher was kidnapped on Friday, September in Memphis while she was out on her morning run at 4.30 am.
A series of searches over the weekend led authorities to find Fletcher's body on Monday, September 5.
To commemorate Fletcher, a group of women in Memphis is organizing a morning run to mark the week since she disappeared on Friday, September 9 at 4.20 am. Meanwhile, more than 1,400 people have signed up to run through the streets of Memphis. This will mark a week since Eliza Fletcher was kidnapped and murdered on her morning run while completing her regular route.
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The Facebook event page of the run stated, "We created this run as way to honor Liza and cope with our own feelings. This run is 8.2 miles taking a path she would regularly run. We will start near Central and Belvedere and run down Central to Zach Curlin St and back toward Belvedere." The note further added, "our goal is to stand up for the women in the Mid South and emphasize that women should be able to safely run any time of day. Our run is not sanctioned by the family and is not a fundraiser." As per the Facebook page, more than 1900 people have already stated they are going for the run whereas 2800 individuals are interested to go for the event
According to DailyMail, Danielle Heineman one of the organizers said, "I think it's important for us to stand up, for the women in this community to stand up for ourselves, we all just feel like we can't run alone, and we should not feel that way." Further, she said some of the reactions to Fletcher's death bothered her. She stated, "'why isn't she running on a treadmill?' 'why isn't she running after work?' 'Women can't do that'." She further added, "we have jobs, we have families to take care of, and we have other commitments. Yet we have a right to be runners also." The event is organized by Danielle Heineman and Charles Hayden.
The organizers have specifically stated on the page, "Our run is not sanctioned by the family and is not a fundraiser. We are not accepting any donations nor should you donate to anyone on the morning of the run. Water stops are being provided at three locations on the 8.2-mile course." Further, it requested the runners to come in bright-colored clothes and avoid coming alone for the event. The team has requested to avoid bringing dogs, strollers, and bikes for the run. "While media may be present, we kindly request that participants do not speak to the media out of respect for the family," stated the note.
