It’s 4:00 a.m., pitch black outside, but hundreds of Memphians in neon clothes show up to “Finish Liza’s Run.”
Immaculate Conception Church on Central Avenue was the place to be on Aug. 29. Although it was the early hours of the morning and surprisingly cold that did not stop Memphians from joining together to remember an important member of the community. From news reporters, bikers and runners to volunteers and police officers, everyone started their Friday a little earlier that day.
It was a continuation of a tradition that began in the wake of a local tragedy.
On Sept. 2, 2022, Eliza Fletcher, a St. Mary’s kindergarten teacher and mother of two, was abducted and killed during one of her early morning runs. Every year since, Memphians have gathered on Central Avenue to honor the life of Fletcher by finishing her run.
Runners and walkers follow her eight-mile route along Central Avenue and through the University of Memphis.
On this particular Friday morning, people were talking with their friends or running in silence. Some played music out loud.
The run has a special significance for St. Mary’s both because Liza was a member of the SMS community and because it brings together a community of women who want the ability and the freedom to run in safety.
“I felt compelled to [run again this year] because my team was doing it,” Brezina said, “and I wanted to honor the memory of Liza.”
For her, the run is about more than team spirit, though.
“I think the race is really special because it shows how we can do anything together as a community,” she said. “It honors the memory of Liza, and we can show that women should be able to run wherever, whenever, without any fear.”
St. Mary’s students, teachers and other faculty members showed up to support Liza and to honor her memory.
For junior Jane Russell, the run is a way to counter negative stereotypes about the city.
“It shows that despite differences and despite things that we disagree on, we come together for this one run,” Russell said. “We agree that what happened was horrible, and the most that we can do is celebrate her life and celebrate her when we get together.”
It’s a moment of unity in a city that often struggles.
“Even though Memphis gets such a bad rep, it was a beautiful thing to see so many people who all were running for the same thing,” Russell said.
Coach Hensarling, the director of student life and St. Mary’s cross-country coach, takes part in Liza’s Run every year. Not only does she participate, she also encourages her cross-country team to run it as well.
“One thing I’ve said to [the cross country] team is we run because they can’t… we run for [Liza]. Because that is what they would want us to do,” said Hensarling.
