Finish Liza's Run - Northern Michigan - 2024

On September 2, 2022, at 4:20 a.m., Eliza Fletcher was abducted and murdered in Memphis during her morning run. Eliza was a teacher, mother-of-two and businesswoman who started her day doing something she loved, going for a run.

Our hearts are with Eliza Fletcher and her family. Women (and men) deserve to run without fear and at any time. On Friday, August 30th at 6:30 am, we will be running in her memory to spread awareness. We will meet between 6-6:20, with short remarks at 6:20, and will begin promptly at 6:30!

We welcome all runners/walkers, and there is no cost and you don't need to register to participate. 

The distance/route is up to you! We will meet at the start point, share a few words and meet each other, and then let people choose their own distance/speed. The distance from Liza's house to where she was taken was 4.1 miles so the folks in Memphis who run do the full 8.2 miles to "finish her run," while the people who walk do 2.8 miles (inverse of the 8.2).  If people start at that trailhead and head south, it goes all the way to Traverse City (17 miles) so everyone really has any distance option available. The whole point is just to move/walk/run/yoga/etc in her honor, not to keep to a specific distance! NOTE: There are a few spots where the trail crosses over roads, so people will need to be mindful of that. 

Directions/Parking: The Leelanau Trail has an "entry point" on 4th Street about 1/10 of a mile off of M22 heading west. If you are coming from the South / Traverse City Area, the best directions are to head north on M22 and turn left on 4th street just after Hop Lot Brewery. Go past the entrance of Hansen's grocery store and the parking lot for the trailhead will be on the left (it is well marked). If you type in "Leelanau Trail Parking Lot" on Google Maps, it actually takes you directly to that specific trailhead and parking lot, so that may be helpful! It's not a huge parking lot, but there is also street parking available.

Lucy Loveless is the point person for this run. Please reach out to her via cell 901-340-9009 or via email lucymloveless@gmail.com with any questions. 

Location: Leelanau Trail
Parking: 4th St in Suttons Bay
Restrooms: During the summer months, there are a portalets located along the trail at the Cherry Bend trailhead, the DeYoung Natural Area about one mile north of the Cherry Bend Rd trailhead, and near the water treatment plans between Richter and Eckerle Rd in Suttons Bay. 
Biking: Bike-N-Ride: Bike there. Bus back. TART is proud to collaborate with BATA on their Bike-n-Ride transportation program. Click Here to learn more about how you can explore Traverse City and Suttons Bay in comfort and convenience.

Our run is not a fundraiser. Be advised, we will not solicit or accept any donations.