Whereas on a run on Dec. 13 in preparation for the January Chevron Houston Marathon, Houston runner Lilia Vazquez was killed in a hit-and-run. A month later, the working neighborhood plans to honour Vazquez, who was 61, at Sunday’s Houston Marathon, in line with ABC13 Information.
Vazquez was set to take part within the Houston race as an area elite runner. Alongside their very own official bib, runners are invited to put on a devoted bib with Vazquez’s identify and movie in the course of the race. “I run in honour of Lilia Vazquez,” the bib reads. “August 24, 1963 – December 13, 2024.”
Different members of the native Houston neighborhood are inspired to take part by cheering. The honorary occasion is organized by Vazquez’s daughters, Mariana and Cecilia.
“My mother needs to be right here,” Mariana mentioned. “She needs to be doing this. If she will be able to’t be right here, then it simply is smart that her household and associates [are here]. I would like her image in every single place, on the race monitor. People who find themselves cheering for her are going to have a bib or one thing together with her identify.”
An lively member of the working neighborhood
In 2024 alone, Vazquez accomplished three marathons: the Chevron Houston Marathon, Boston Marathon and Telcel Mexico Metropolis Marathon. At Houston, she clocked 3:42:01 and claimed second place within the feminine 60-64 age group. She educated with the Houston Striders working group.
“She had a pure reward for working. She’s a mentor to a whole lot of us, she’s a pillar within the working neighborhood, and tons of of individuals love this girl,” Brenda Gonzalez, considered one of Vazquez’s associates, informed media. Since December, shut family and friends have labored with the Houston Marathon to prepare the tribute to the late runner’s reminiscence.
Bringing consideration to the crime
Vazquez’s daughters hope the occasion will increase consciousness for the runner and her tragic demise, probably uncovering extra details about the crime. The avid runner had been jogging close to her residence in Houston, earlier than she was hit by what authorities imagine was a truck; the driving force of the car didn’t cease, and Vazquez was pronounced lifeless on the scene. Authorities are nonetheless looking for the driving force concerned. Surveillance movies present Vazquez on her remaining run, simply moments earlier than her demise.