Ryan Shay 5.5 Mile Memorial Run in Your Hometown: Saturday, November 17
November 7, 2007 | Tags: olympic-marathon-trials • ryan shay
Most folks out there who are reading this are already familiar with the untimely death of 28-year-old running phenom Ryan Shay at the 2008 Olympic Marathon Trials in New York City, on Saturday, November 3. Ryan collapsed at mile 5.5 and was pronounced dead at Lenox Hill Hospital shortly thereafter.
This news has rocked the distance running community, as Ryan had an incredibly promising career and had already set many records in his years at Notre Dame and proved himself at distances ranging from 10k to the marathon. At 28, the prospects of him representing the U.S. in future Olympics looked good.
Sure, the loss of a talented distance runner is a tough pill to swallow for the United States, which has only recently started to have a resurgence of talent at the marathon level. What is harder to swallow, though, is the thought of those that are left behind trying to make sense of the empty space that he once occupied. His wife, Alicia. His training partners, Meb, Deena, Josh, etc. his numerous friends and family.
Join us in support of them as they process their loss and dedicate your own 5.5 mile run next Saturday, November 17th in memory of Ryan. Run the exact distance, or dedicate a 5.5 mile portion of a longer run in his memory. Take the time to recognize life’s frailty, to think about those in your life that you need to tell that you love and most of all, pray for those who will feel Ryan’s absence the most. Our goal is to get as many runners on this planet as possible running this virtual memorial together. Leave a comment below if you plan to participate, so the Shay family can see the results of our efforts, and perhaps take some comfort. (UPDATE: If you’re not up to 5.5 miles, just dedicate whatever distance you are able to run or run/walk, or walk, to Ryan. It’s not about distance or speed.)
Ryan’s father, Joe Shay, started a thread about Ryan over at the Let’sRun forum. I know the family will appreciate any comments you feel moved to write.
Also, a memorial fund has been set up. I know money can never take away the sense of loss, but his devastated family will be most appreciative of anything you choose to offer.
Written by Coach Jeff · Filed Under Elite Running, Marathons
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Great idea!
5.5 miles on November 17 it is. Ryan was a teammate of mine at the University of Notre Dame. Not enough can ever be said about his character in running and in life. The best tribute we can give Ryan is to make our own lives better in whatever way it was that Ryan inspired us.
Rest in Peace, Ryan.
i’m in, jeff.
Just try and stop me. To the Shay family - you are in our thoughts.
With wings on my feets.
I will be on the roads, enjoying a run in Ryan’s honor, as I have been doing since his untimely death.
Run Forever Ryan.
Let’s honor Ryan.
5.5
Nuff’ Said.
I’ll do it as a workout. 5.5 miles at the pace of his last 5.5.
Yes, I will run in honor of Ryan.
Lisa
I have a race that day in NYC at Van Cortlandt. Its an 8k and our final race of the season - IC4A’s. I’ll run the race in honor of him.
Yes, I will run.
I have a race the folowing day 18 th Nov here in San Antonio and is on his name that i will do it, never lieve a fellow comrade behind, that is how we said in the military.
NYC runners … who’s up for starting out at 7:35 a.m. from rock center, running the same route and concluding at the boathouse? meet at 50th street, halfway between 5th and 6th aves. traffic at that hour is light, so it will be no problem to swing down through times sq., just as he did on saturday.
Part of my long-run will be dedicated to Ryan. My thoughts and prayors are with his family and friends.
I will be running 5.5 miles for ryan, and running my next race dedicated to him
Here in Madison, Wisconsin, we will do a run for Ryan at 9:00 Am on Saturday the 17th. We will start in front of Movin’ Shoes on South Park Street. The route will be determined before we start. Anyone interested in doing this for Ryan can join in.
[...] Join the Complete Running Network and dedicate your own 5.5 mile run next Saturday, November 17th in memory of Ryan. Run the exact distance, or dedicate a 5.5 mile portion of a longer run in his memory. You can read the complete article about Ryan’s untimely death here. [...]
In my 3 year old daughter’s words… “come run with me Daddy”… on the 17th I’ll run with Ryan and his family in my heart.
I’ll do it, and take my son with me.
wow he is gorgeous. so sad.
I’ll have a turkey trot 5k that day…but will find my own personal way to pay tribute…
My Club’s normal Saturday run of 5.5 miles in Larchmont, New York will be done in his memory at 8am on November 17.
I’ll do it in Tokyo.
I’m in. I’ll kiss my daughters on the way out the door and hug them when I get home. I hope to run with Mishka …if he wants company.
[...] would like anyone who can next Saturday to run 5.5 miles in honor of Ryan Shay. The details are on Complete Running. tags:ryan [...]
I will run 5.5 in memory of Ryan. Let your light shine.
I’ll do 11 miles that day, 5.5 miles to remember Ryan 5.5 and 5.5 for my new-born daughter to celebrate a new life. It somehow seems appropriate.
As a fellow Michigander, I will run Reed’s Lake here in Grand Rapids. I don’t know if Ryan ever ran that course, but its beauty is fitting. He would’ve love it.
Anyone nearby, feel free to join me!
This is a great idea, and I blogged about it earlier. I’m doing it. NYC or DC…not sure yet.
We’ll be doing it in Little Rock.
I’ll be out the running 5.5 miles in memory of Ryan.
Thanks!
Aaron
[...] track runs at his old high school as the town tries to cope with his loss. All across the country, runners are participating in their own 5.5 mile memorial run for [...]
I’m in. Great idea. His attitude and strength remain an inspiration.
I’m in. I’ll be on the NB boardwalk for 5.5 miles.
Now that I have wiped the tears from my eyes, I’ll dedicate my run here in Victoria, BC. Running has always mattered but maybe a little more next Saturday. Thanks Ryan.
I’m in. My thoughts and prayers to the Shay family.
What a great way to celebrate life in memory of Ryan. Count me in!
Im gonna do it in canada and im gonna do it fast.
Dallas, TX is in as well. My thoughts and prayers will be with his family.
I’m going to run it in Ellicott City, MD
I am in for sure.
… let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
-Hebrews 12:1
My thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of Ryan. My 5.5 miles will be in his honor.
Joe
Count me in for sure!
I’m in! I also created a tribute video to run next Saturday. It is on YouTube now.
Anyone doing this in the downtown Boston area? I’d like to join.
We are running a training run at White Rock Lake in Dallas on the 17th. Meet us at the parking lot accross from the stone tables at 7am and we will dedicate 5.5 miles of the run to the memory of and in honor of Ryan.
[...] make it to the local Monday run. Jeff, one of my Californian bloggy buddies is organizing a virtual hometown run in support and memory, on Saturday, November 17. Posted by karen [...]
a run for Rembering…Ryan
yes, from Texas…we will be running!
We’ll be running in neighboring Bellaire, MI, while our thoughts and prayers go out to the extended Shay family…
What a great idea!!! I will be running in Western Kansas in honor of Ryan.
I will most definitely run in honor of Ryan. What a wonderful tribute.
Consider it done…
5.5 for Ryan
I WILL RUN IN HONOR OF RYAN. I will join other NYC runners starting out at 7:35 a.m. from Rockefeller Center, running the same route and concluding at the boathouse.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Shay family.
I will run the 5.5 in Central Florida as fast as I can. That’s what Ryan was doing.
While I’m not in shape to run that distance on Saturday, I will dedicate the 4 miles I ran today (including 5K in an XC race) and the first 1.5 in run on Saturday to his memory!
-Steve
I will run 5.5 miles on the grassy field of my favorite park this coming Saturday in honor of Ryan. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Shay ramily and many others who loved Ryan.
Count me in - running in Central Florida.
-MarathonChris
I will be out there Saturday running with the rest of the runners in America and all around the world celebrating the life of Ryan Shay and our own love filled lives. I have also dedicated my current blog post to the family and friends of Ryan along with my own family.
I’ll be running my 5.5 miles for Ryan and his family. God be with Ryan and his family and friends.
I will run on Nov 17.
I am running a marathon on december 1 and I will dedicate to Ryan. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
I was in a cab, just leaving the NYC Marathon expo when I learned of Ryans death.Even though I did not know him personally, I felt like I had just been hit in the stomach.
I will run & Pray for you guys.
You are in out thoughts & in our stride.
Ray
5.5 out, 5.5 back on the Trails on Saturday. Ryan will be greatly missed, but never forgotten
Anyone organizing this for the Philly races on Nov 18th? Thx
There’s a makeshift memorial in Central Park where Ryan took his last step. I will be at Rockefeller Center at 7:35 AM and run to this site in his honor.
I’ll be running 5.5 beginning at 7:35 a.m. on Saturday here in Michigan. My thoughts and prayers go out to Ryan’s family and friends. Although I wish Ryan did not have to pass away to remind me to do this … ever since the 3rd I have been kissing my family before I go out for my run. You never know when it will be your last and we must savor all that life has to offer while we can.
Count me in. I dedicated my run that day to Ryan, and will dedicate this one as well. My thoughts go out to all of his family and friends.
Im doing a 4 mile race Sat in South Florida. Ill make sure everyone there is aware. I Plan to do 1.5 for awarm up. My thoughts and prayers go out to Ryan’s family and friends.
I will run on Saturday
I pray the inner peace we feel when we run will be felt by Ryan’s family and wife on that day. God Bless.
David
I’ll be running here in Chicago.
I am in for the run on Saturday, November 17th.
I started to run at the suggestion of my Doctor. I run a lot now. I follow running as a sport as was so saddened by what happened.
I am by no means an elite runner, but I will run for Ryan on Saturday.
What a tribute to a great runner!
i know this can’t heal the hearts of his family and friends, but i will think of Ryan on my run Saturday.
The Sandhills Striders will run 5.5 for Ryan during the Pinehurst Turkey Trot 10K-Half Marathon.
Thoughts and prayers to all of Ryan’s family and friends from Pinehurst, North Carolina.
I’ll propose this to my running group, Chicago Endurance Sports. In the meantime, I’ve already committed all of my runs through the end of 2007 in memory of Ryan!
There is a group of us in Mont Vernon, NH who will be dedicating our 5.5 mile run on Saturday to Ryan.
I’m in; ND alumni here- I’ll wear Blue and Gold.
This is a wonderful idea. I’ll plan a 5.5 miler for Saturday (with a 12 mile cool down) in Ryan’s memory. My thoughts will be with him, his family and his friends.
I will get my entire indoor track team to do it. It is great to see the running community unite.
My boys cross-country team (AFXC - Utah)will be in Tempe, Az. this Saturday for NTN Regionals. We are dedicating our warmup, 5k race, and cooldown to Ryan’s memory. If your team is going, let’s join up for the cooldown together.
Richmond, VA will be represented. 5.5 for Ryan.
[...] http://completerunning.com/arc.....wn-satur... [...]
My mom and I will be running for Ryan. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ryan’s family.
My son Bryan and I will do 5.5 here in Cleveland in Ryan style! We will run as fast as we can the entire way.
i have a 1/2 marathon that morning so i’ll run for him.
My wife and I are training for our first marathon. We have our 20 mile run on Saturday. Ryan’s story has inspired us and we plan on slowing for a short prayer at 14.5 and running the last 5.5 for Ryan.
5.5 Miles in Redmond,WA in Ryan’s memory on Sat…
On Saturday the 17th I will be running the JFK 50 Miler, I am dedicating the final 5.5 miles to Ryan
Count me in. Jean-Marie from Toronto, Canada.
I will running in Vancouver
I will dedicate Saturday’s run to Ryan, and his family. God bless.
Count me in. I am running in a 7 mile off-road race in Iowa on Saturday. I will dedicate the first 5.5 miles to Ryan, and then I will keep on running as fast as I can to the finish!
I will run 5.5 miles on a treadmill in honor of Ryan Shay this Saturday the 17th.
[...] Join the Complete Running Network and dedicate your own 5.5 mile run next Saturday, November 17th in memory of Ryan. Run the exact distance, or dedicate a 5.5 mile portion of a longer run in his memory. You can read the complete article about Ryan’s untimely death here. [...]
Count me in. I will be running in Singapore. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
I have a 6 miler scheduled friday which will be dedicated to the memory of ryan.
Will be doing the run in WIlmington NC…He was actually quite an inspiration for me and is sadly missed.
Reading about Ryan made me want to get back into running and fulfill a life-long goal of running a marathon. I want to take those first steps toward my goal this November 17th when I run 5.5 for Ryan here in China. Shay family, you are in my thought and prayers.
I have a 5K race scheduled for that date, I will run an extra 2.4 miles in memory of Ryan, and will get as many of the other runners as I can from our club here to join me
I’ll be running 2.4 on saturday then running a 5k on sunday in michigan
I will run 5.5 for Shay in Portales NM.
I’ll be running in Virginia in honor of Ryan. Many miles will be logged in his memory on the 17th - a great way to memorialize an exceptional runner and person. I feel honored to be a part of this.
I’ll be in South Bend for the weekend and will get up on Saturday morning to run 5.5.
Leaving the Morris Inn at 8:30….
Be there if you can.
-marshall
I will… he’s inspired me to train hard and get too know my limits!
I will join and for a great runner.
I will most definately run 5.5 for Ryan here in my little town in Michigan.
I will be running this Saturday- count me in!
I will be praying for the friends and family of Ryan- what a horrible loss, and so very young. Everyone appreciate your loved ones today.
I’ll be putting in my miles as well… it’s wonderful to be surrounded by such a supportive community.
count me in from cleveland ohio
I’m in from wherever I might be.
I”m in ! 5.5 for Ryan Shay.
My first 5.5 miles of the JFK 50 will be in honor of Ryan.
Definitely in.Run 5.5 for Ryan.
I’m in, a fitting tribute to someone who was taken too soon.
I’ll be doing my 5.5 for Ryan in Ithaca, NY.
I’ll pound out 5.5 in Langhorne, PA.
Go Irish!
I’m a newbie, and not quite up to running 5.5 miles straight just yet. I can probably run/walk that far, so I will do it, from Gulfport, MS.
Running an early Turkey Trot 5k in Bloomington, IN — I’ll dedicate it to Ryan, along with a 2.4 mile cooldown.
I will run 5.5 for Ryan in Cullman, AL.
I will be dedicating the first 5.5 miles of my recovery run in Clinton, NJ, on Saturday to Ryan.
I’m in for the 5.5 here in West Palm Beach, Florida.
This will actually be the first time runnin this far but I’ll give it my best.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Ryan and Family.
I will be dedicating my 5.5 training run for Ryan in Channahon, IL on Saturday.
His passion for running will inspire all of us.
Ryan’s death is truly devastating to every runner past or present. His career and accomplishments extend far beyond running itself. I hope everyone, and myself included, realize and remember what a rare runner and person Ryan Shay was.
Thanks for the idea, I’m in. Been a while since I have done 5.5, but this is one time it is ok to over extend.
5.5m for Ryan Shay.
Count me in for two 5.5 milers here in KY this Saturday.
I am so in! thank you for the motivation to spend some quality running and thinking!!
I’m in and offer my condolences from the other side of the world.
Adrian (Sydney)
My girlfriend and I will run 5.5 for Ryan…
We will be spectating at the Ultracentric 24hr Championships in Grapevine, Texas and will be thinking of the loss that Ryan’s family and the entire running community have experienced.
It is an honor to run 5.5 for Ryan on Saturday.
I will be honored to run in memory of Ryan. I am a barefoot runner. (www.runningbarefoot.org)
I stand with (”run with”) all who love the experience of running - in all its styles and forms. Thank you to all others who are participating — and let others know you are running with purpose!
5.5 miles for one of the greatest Rayn Shay
I was watching the Olympic Trials via internet feed early Saturday morning and got the most tremendous inspiration. Ryan’s amazing accomplishments will continue to inspire. I’ll be lacing up for my 5.5 in Myrtle Beach, SC this Saturday.
I’m in from rural Missouri, my thoughts are with his family and friends.
ohhh we are so running saturday!!!
[...] think tomorrow is an appropriate start date because I am also participating in the Run for Ryan on Saturday. I want it to be a challenge, but I want to be able to finish it. I have two of my [...]
Ryan, I’ll give you all I can! 5.5 will be a new record for me…I’ll do it!
Great initiative, Jeff! I am in as well!
Everyone will see me on the streets on November 17th!
R.I.P. Ryan Shay.
[...] either the oval or Club Night - got a swim date with the Little Swimmer. I will be running at least 5.5 miles for Ryan on Saturday, though. Posted by karen [...]
absolutely
The San Francisco Road Runners will honor Ryan and his family this Saturday.
Inspired, motivated. 5.5 in Salt Lake for Ryan and his family. Thank you for reigniting a forgotten passion.
I’ll be running for Ryan in Vermont.
We are training for the AT&T Austin Marathon - 500+ members. The first 5.5m of our 10mile training run this Saturday morning will be dedicated to Ryan and his family. Thoughts, Prayers & Miles…..
Coach Mark
I already have my run mapped out.
It’ll be the 2nd farthest I’ve ever gone, but I’ll gladly do it.
Will think of Ryan during my run on Saturday.
I am stationed in Helsinki, Finland, and I will be proud to run 5.5 miles for Ryan on Saturday. I’ll will forward this to my fellow military members and I am sure they will run in memory of Ryan as well.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
What a loss to our community. My prayers to th Shay family.
RIP
Detroit
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
I am running a 4 mile race on Saturday and will run in Ryan Shay’s honor.
My heart goes out to the Shay family. Woodlands Fit is Marathon training program and right now we are in the middle of training for the Houston Marathon. We have 300 members in our group on Saturday morning our training groups will dedicate the first 5.5 miles of our runs in honor of Ryan..Godspeed!!
My husband and I will run for Ryan and his wife. It’s such a horrible tragedy. I can’t ever imagine going through what Alicia is dealing with right now. My heart goes out to her.
My wife and I will be sure to dedicate our run in San Diego to Ryan on the 17th.
I will be running 5.5 for Ryan in Southeastern Michigan. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
I’ll be running for Ryan in the Boston area. My heart goes out to Ryan’s family and friends…especially his wife…so very, very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts!!!
Jeff, I am in and spreading the word. I know of many who are committed to doing this. Its the least we could do to express our loss.
I dedicated my run on Tuesday to Ryan and his family. It was the best run I’ve had since a hip injury in July. May God’s peace be in your hearts; find your strength in Him.
I will run 5.5 miles on Saturday the 17th at 7:35AM from Philadelphia. I will dedicate my run to Ryan and his loved ones.
Jan
I would be honored to do it.
I will run the distance in Helsinki Finland tommorow.
I will be honored to dedicate the last 5.5 miles of the JFK50 on Saturday in tribute to Ryan’s memory. The running community mourns his loss and prays for his family and friends.
we will be doing the run in boston.
I’ll run through the dawn in northeast PA.
our running group (Gillette, Wyoming) will stop 5.5 miles into our Saturday morning run to honor Ryan.
I’m recovering from a knee injury and going to do my best to get in 5.5 In Denver, CO
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the Shay family.
I’ll be joining the gang in Gillette, WY. I am so sorry to hear about Ryan, but what a great way to honor his memory.
My thoughts and prayers go out to both families. We will be thinking of you tomorrow on our run.
Running for Ryan’s memory and thinking of Alicia……from Gillette, WY
I will do the run, and invite others to do so on my blog.
[...] Shay Memorial Run - November 17th 16 11 2007 The Complete Running Network is promoting the Ryan Shay Memorial Run for tomorrow, November 17th. Shay was the U.S. elite marathoner who tragically died during the [...]
Done.
Count me in. I will be running 5.5 miles for Ryan. Great idea.
The US do not stand alone in mourning. I will be running 5.5 miles tomorrow for Ryan. My next race I’ll run for him and for the young people with heart problems.
Frank from The Netherlands
I’ll be running in Rochester, NY. If anyone wants to join me, feel free to drop me a line.
I will run a wet one in Oregon for Ryan.
My prayers are with his family and all who miss him
I’m in! Ryan and his family will be in my prayers. East Stroudsburg Pa.
Tomorrow’s run will be special honoring Ryan, praying for his family and giving thanks for the precious gift of life. Representing from Fort Lauderdale.
I will jo