CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Every runner in Saturday’s Charlotte Marathon carried a small tribute on race morning: the silhouette of a former Queens University athlete who was struck and killed by a driver while running in east Charlotte in January.
The Charlotte Sports Foundation, which puts on the race, printed the running figure in the corner of each bib. A foundation spokesperson said organizers wanted to recognize the runner’s place in the local running community, noting that the athlete finished fifth in last year’s race and was the top non-binary finisher.
The foundation said the bib design marks the start of a new tradition for the event.
The tribute rode along with a record field. More than 13,250 people signed up across all events for the 22nd running of the race, the largest turnout the Charlotte Marathon has ever drawn. Participants came from 47 states as well as Canada, Mexico, Germany and Bermuda, though roughly 70% live in North Carolina.
The 5K started at 7:10 a.m., followed 10 minutes later by the full and half marathons. Former Carolina Panthers linebacker and Pro Football Hall of Famer Luke Kuechly served as grand marshal and official starter.
The runner’s partner, who ran his first 5K on Saturday, said seeing the outline on his bib during packet pickup Friday brought a wave of emotion. He said running was a daily habit for the athlete, and he hopes the gesture pushes others to make the most of each day. Visiting groups, including a run club from Houston, said the gesture made them feel part of one running family.
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