It's been more than a year since former University of Tampa volleyball standout Melissa Vanderhall was murdered in her Long Island, N.Y., home along with her mother, Lynn Reichenbach-Vanderhall, and her friend, Janel Simpson.
Vanderhall's brother, who suffered from mental health issues, was arrested for the murders, but the-"bright light" Vanderhall brought to UT as a student-athlete from 2006-2014 lives on in nine former teammates and friends who have created the Livefor24 Foundation. The nonprofit takes its name from Vanderhall's jersey number and it's determined to keep her light alive by providing scholarships and supporting youth.
The foundation will host its first Live for 24 5K and Fun Run starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday (Oct. 20) at the University of Tampa, 401 W Kennedy Blvd. The University of Tampa Athletics department is collaborating with Livefor24.
Race proceeds will help the foundation support young athletic and educational programs in the Tampa Bay area and award student scholarships. Participants are welcome to run, walk or stroll their way through campus on a scenic 3.12 mile course which includes a portion of the race alongside the Hillsborough River.
A separate 1-mile fun run will also be offered for those who are interested in a shorter race or wish to run with younger participants. The 5K race will be chip-timed and a family friendly post race event will be held at Pepin Field immediately after the race, which will include food, refreshments, music bounce houses and local vendor tents.
There will be a special presentation of the National Anthem and moment of silence for the Vanderhalls and Simpson.
Registration is $30 plus a $2.50 sign up fee. Packet pick up will be held at Fit2Run at International Plaza, 2223 N Westshore Blvd. Participants can also pick up the morning of the race.
For more information or to register, visit runsignup.com.
Contact Katelyn Massarelli at kmassarelli@tampabay.com or (813) 226-3436. Follow @katelyn_jou.