Run for Laken Riley

Photo by Filip Mroz on Unsplash

Laken Riley was a nursing student at the University of Georgia who was brutally murdered on Feb. 22 by Jose Antonio Ibarra. Riley texted her mother at 8:55 a.m., telling her good morning and that she was planning on running. During her jog, at 9:03 a.m., Riley called her mother, and then at 9:11 a.m., she called 911. Police found her body 65 feet away from the trail at 12:38 p.m.

Once the story reached the internet, people were overwhelmed with emotions. Riley seemingly did everything right, running in daylight and staying on a safe trail, yet she had a fatal outcome. In memory of Riley, people all over social media are running 17 minutes, the amount of time Riley ran before the tragedy. This participation shows remembrance of Riley and support for her loved ones. Riley’s story has had a huge impact on women and their safety in everyday activities. 

Riley is a hero for many women for fighting back and doing everything in their power to be safe. The 17-minute-run is something that anyone can do to show support and raise awareness of Riley’s tragedy.