Memphis runners wake up early to finish Liza’s run

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Starting together and finishing together hundreds of people gathered in Midtown early Friday morning to “Finish Liza’s Run” in honor of Eliza Fletcher .

Fletcher, a mother and teacher, was killed during her early morning jog on Central Avenue two years ago.

Now people participating in the annual race say they are running to finish what Fletcher couldn’t.

“It’s a very emotional run. I think a lot of people will start crying,” said Catherine Batista, one of the runners.

It’s a story that still sends shockwaves through the community.

“It definitely opened my eyes because I think that we live in a fairy tale world, and everyone is just so nice and nothing bad would ever happen to anyone we know or love or anything like that. So, it’s very scary,” said Olivia Gattusos, another runner.

However, the brutal killing did not stop the community from coming together.

Since then, hundreds have gathered at Central and Belvedere each year to finish the 8.2-mile course that Fletcher could not.

Many of the runners say even though they didn’t know Fletcher personally, her story is personal to them and that’s why they showed up. And they say they will continue to show up to show support.

“You know you have to go to work at 8 a.m. So, you have to make time, and she had kids and stuff like that. So, you just are like I’m doing this because this is the only time I can,” Gattuso said.

“I’m just here to support all people who want to go and exercise. Women, men, and children should be able to without being scared,” said Kathy Owens, another runner.

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Mayor Paul Young even participated in the run saying the city is continuing its part to ensure everyone feels safe in their own community.

“We want our officers to be present. We want this community to wrap their arms around the families that have lost loved ones and try to prevent this from happening again,” Mayor Young said.

The man accused in Eliza Fletcher’s killing, Cleotha Henderson, is set for trial on February 10, 2025.

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