Pittsburghers rally with runners around US to 'Finish Eliza's Run'

BETHEL PARK, Pa. (AP/KDKA) - Thousands of people in cities across the U.S. finished Eliza's run Friday morning.

The runs were organized as a tribute to Eliza Fletcher, who was forced into a vehicle after a struggle during her pre-dawn run last Friday in Memphis, Tennessee. A suspect was swiftly identified and has been charged with her kidnapping and murder.

The killing of the 34-year-old kindergarten teacher and mother of two shocked people nationwide, and was particularly upsetting to women runners. An obituary described Fletcher as a "born athlete" who enjoyed spending time outside with husband and children.

 Many female athletes fear working out alone, at night or in secluded places, and while crime statistics show such killings are exceedingly rare, many report being harassed or worse, even in well-populated areas.

In response, groups of runners decided to "Finish Eliza's Run" in the pre-dawn darkness Friday morning, a week after her slaying. Many wore pink tops and purple shorts in her honor. Groups ran in Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga and many other cities and towns around the country. Hundreds logged their runs on a website dedicated to the event.

A group at the South Park Ice Rink said they wanted to show support for Fletcher's family and promote safety for runners. 

"We have to run when it's most convenient for us, whether that's at 4 o'clock in the morning or 10 o'clock at night or 3 o'clock in the afternoon, whether it's a big city or out in the woods, we have to just keep doing what we love and we hope that this will not happen again," said South Park run organizer Suzanne Matter. 

Groups were also out in Frick Park and North Park.