News Summary
The community came together for the second annual Live Like Laken 5K event in Woodstock, honoring the memory of Laken Riley, an Augusta University student who tragically passed away. The event aimed to raise funds for the Laken Hope Foundation, promoting women’s safety and supporting nursing students. Participants received safety information while running in the event, which reflects Laken’s legacy and commitment to wellness. Organizers emphasized community support and remembrance, highlighting Laken’s impact on the local community.
Woodstock, Georgia – Hundreds of participants gathered for the second annual Live Like Laken 5K event, honoring the memory of Laken Riley, an Augusta University student who tragically lost her life while running on the University of Georgia campus in February 2024. The event, aimed at raising money for the Laken Hope Foundation, took place on Saturday morning at Hobgood Park in Woodstock, marking a significant moment for the community as they came together to remember Riley and support important causes.
The Live Like Laken 5K serves a dual purpose: it not only commemorates Laken’s life but also supports the initiatives that reflect her passions. The Laken Hope Foundation is dedicated to promoting safety awareness for women and providing tuition assistance for aspiring nursing students. Since its inception, the foundation has worked to continue Laken’s legacy, focusing on enhancing the safety of women and supporting individuals pursuing careers in nursing.
With safety being a central theme of the event, organizers ensured that participants received crucial information and product handouts aimed at helping women protect themselves while running alone. This focus on safety resonates strongly with the event’s mission and directly addresses the concerns raised by Laken’s untimely death.
Runners and walkers commenced their participation by picking up registration packets at the Cherokee County recreation center prior to race day. Notably, members from the River Ridge cross country team actively engaged in the event, with Claudia Kennison collecting 40 packets for her team; Laken was a former member of that team, which added a deeply personal element to their involvement.
Last year, the inaugural Live Like Laken 5K saw participation from over 731 individuals and successfully raised more than $30,000 for the Laken Hope Foundation. Participants of this year’s race were given t-shirts, bracelets, and pamphlets detailing safety tips for running alone, reinforcing the importance of safety during exercise. The registration fee was set at $35 prior to race day and $40 on the morning of the event, making the race accessible to a wide range of community members.
As the event approached, community members were encouraged to take action by participating in this meaningful event, which serves as both a tribute to Laken Riley and a call to better support women’s safety initiatives. Cherokee County senior recreation coordinator Skyler Cox played a vital role in organizing the successful gathering, highlighting the collective effort to honor a cherished life.
Laken Riley was a proud Cherokee County native, and her story of resilience and commitment to wellness has continued to inspire many in the local community. The annual Live Like Laken 5K stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of community, safety, and support for future generations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Live Like Laken 5K Honors Women’s Safety and Legacy
Additional Resources
- WRDW: Hundreds Participate in Second Annual Live Like Laken 5K
- Wikipedia: Running
- WSB Radio: Live Like Laken 5K Honors Laken Riley
- Google Search: Live Like Laken 5K
- 11Alive: Live Like Laken 5K Run in Woodstock
- Encyclopedia Britannica: 5K
- WSBTV: Cherokee Co. Hosts Live Like Laken Riley 5K Fundraiser
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
