This week will mark the 20th anniversary of one of the biggest sports tragedies ever in Wyoming. It will be remembered in Gillette just it has for more than a decade in the best way possible.
The 11th annual Memory of the 8 run/walk is set for this Thursday, Sept. 16. There will be a BBQ and social to immediately follow.
This annual free event, which is hosted by the Razor City Runners, INC. is to remember those runners whose lives were taken 20 years ago. On September 16, 2001, eight members of the University of Wyoming Cross-Country team were killed in an accident by a drunk driver while traveling back to Laramie after an event in Fort Collins, CO.
They are no longer with us but will never be forgotten. Memory of the 8 is a run to honor their memory always on the date of the accident and to raise awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence.
Memory of the 8 include Morgan McLeland of Gillette, Nicholas Schabron of Laramie, Justin-Lambert-Belanger of Timmins, Ontario. Kyle Johnson of Riverton, Kevin Salverson of Cheyenne, Shane Shatto of Douglas, Joshua Jones of Laramie, and Cody Brown of Hudson, CO.
The 8-mile and 5K run/walk will start at M&K Oil at 9th Street and 4J-Road. It’s also where registration will also be held prior to race time. Every mile will be marked by a sign in memory of each athlete that was tragically lost that September day.
(Memory of the 8/Facebook)
Thursday, Sept. 16
4 p.m. – Registration
5:15 p.m. – Kids’ fun run
5:30 p.m. – 5K and 8-mile run
(Walkers and wheelers may start at any time)
Online registration: www.runsignup.com
