The community of Athens, Georgia, is preparing for an event to remember Laken Hope Riley. The "Run for Your Life" 5K is a memorial walk and run meant to celebrate her life while raising money for causes she supported. Laken Riley was a nursing student at Augusta University and had previously attended the University of Georgia. Her death has led to a local movement focused on community safety and support for future nurses. This event serves as a gathering point for friends, family, and residents to reflect on her life. It combines a physical race with a public memorial service. Organizers aim to use the event to turn a personal loss into a way to help others through the Laken Hope Foundation.
Event Schedule and Locations
Records from event organizers and local travel guides show a planned schedule for the memorial activities. The event is set to take place on February 21, 2026, at the Tate Student Center on the University of Georgia campus.
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07:00 – 07:30 AM: Registration and check-in for participants.
07:40 – 07:50 AM: A time for prayer and a moment of silence.
08:00 AM: The official start of the 5K walk and run.
09:30 AM: A gathering for the community with light food.
10:00 AM: The start of the public memorial service.
"She loved life, running, and Jesus, and many remember her for faithfully running her race with Christ." — Official Event Description
Goals of the Laken Hope Foundation
The event is the primary fundraiser for the Laken Hope Foundation. According to the foundation's official records, the money collected is used for three main goals:
| Priority Area | Description of Support |
|---|---|
| Women's Safety | Funding programs that teach and promote safety awareness for women. |
| Nursing Education | Providing tuition help and financial aid for students in nursing school. |
| Children's Health | Supporting healthcare services and organizations for children. |
The foundation focuses on causes that Laken Riley cared about, specifically nursing and the safety of women in the community.
Focus on Safety and Education
Evidence from the foundation's mission statement shows a strong focus on practical help. Because Laken Riley was a nursing student, the foundation prioritizes helping others finish their medical degrees. There is also a focus on "safety awareness," which is a direct response to the events surrounding her death.
Safety Awareness: The "Run for Your Life" title suggests a focus on physical well-being.
Nursing Aid: Donations help cover the high costs of medical training.
Public Participation: The memorial service is open to everyone, not just those who run in the race.
Different Ways the Community Remembers
The event organizers have set up the day to meet different needs within the community. These different parts of the event show how people choose to remember Laken Riley.
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Physical Activity vs. Spiritual Reflection
The first part of the day focuses on a 5K run. This honors Laken’s personal love for running and exercise. However, the event also includes a heavy focus on faith, including public prayer and a formal memorial service. This allows people who are not runners to participate in the day through quiet reflection and community prayer.
Local vs. Virtual Participation
While the main event happens at the Tate Student Center in Athens, there is also an option for a "virtual 5K." This allows people who do not live in Georgia to donate and participate from their own homes. This shows that the interest in honoring her life extends beyond the local college campus.
Investigator Analysis
The data shows that this event is designed to be a permanent way to remember Laken Riley. By creating a foundation and an annual run, the organizers are making sure her name stays connected to positive actions like education and safety.
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The choice of the University of Georgia campus for the location is significant. It places the memorial in the heart of the community where she lived and studied. The inclusion of a memorial service that does not require race registration suggests that the goal is community healing rather than just fund-raising.
Summary of Findings
The "Run for Your Life" 5K is a multi-part event designed to honor Laken Riley through physical activity, religious service, and charitable giving.
Date: February 21, 2026.
Location: Tate Student Center, Athens, GA.
Purpose: To fund safety programs, nursing scholarships, and children's health.
Accessibility: The event includes a virtual race and a public memorial open to those who do not run.
The next steps for the community involve registration through the Laken Hope Foundation website. This will allow the foundation to continue providing resources to nursing students and safety programs.
Sources Used
RunSignUp: Event registration and schedule details. https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/Athens/RunForYourLife5KGA
Find a Race: Confirmation of the 2026 date and event times. https://findarace.com/us/events/run-for-your-life-walk-run-5k
Mud Run Fun: Details on foundation goals and safety awareness. https://mudrunfun.com/en/event/run-for-your-life-5k-athens
Visit Athens GA: Location and campus venue confirmation. https://www.visitathensga.com/event/run-for-your-life/38916/
Laken Hope Foundation: Official mission statement and donation impact. https://lakenhopefoundation.com/
Fleet Feet Athens: Community participation and race logistics. https://www.fleetfeet.com/races/ga/athens/199168-run-for-your-life-walk-run-5k
