Memorial Run/Bike Embodies Spirit Of Fallen Hokie

During his life, Jeremy Herbstritt used his boundless energy and his love of the outdoors as fuel for everything from camping trips to marathon running.  Now, just a few months after he was killed in the April 16 shootings, his family looks to carry on his memory through Jeremy’s Endless Journey, a memorial event to be hosted in his hometown of Bellefonte, Penn.

The event will take place on Aug.18 and will consist of a four-mile run/walk and a 16-mile bike ride. A seven-mile kayak portion is also planned for future races. Top finishers overall and in each age category will receive awards.  Special prizes will be given to the winner of the 20-29 age bracket (Herbstritt’s age group) as well as the runner who displays the “most effort.”

“We chose those distances to represent the date of the Virginia Tech tragedy,” said Alexis Bozzo, Herbstritt’s girlfriend. “The 4 mile loop is known as the hometown loop. This loop is a route that Jeremy traversed while training for relays, marathons and other races. It shows the runners the town of Bellefonte. Hopefully through this experience they can understand why Jeremy had a passion for running and central Pennsylvania.”

Jeremy, the oldest of four, shared his love of running with his siblings.  His sister, Jennifer, followed his lead and ran for their high school cross-country team and trained with him for a number of marathons.  His other siblings, Joe and Steph, are runners as well.

Herbstritt owned two kayaks, which he used frequently in the rivers the New River Valley and in Penn.  Though he never had the opportunity to share that interest with his girlfriend, his family did take her on a kayaking excursion so she would experience one of his greatest passions.

According to race organizers, proceeds for the race will go into an account in Herbstritt’s name.  The primary purpose of those funds will be to establish a scholarship and to build a memorial track at Bellefonte High School.

“We felt that something nice to give back to the community would be a track in his memory,” said Jennifer, “and that way we can always feel like we’re running in Jeremy’s footsteps.”

“There is no doubt in my mind that Jeremy would be the first one to sign up,” said Bozzo. “There were a lot of runners that left our Hokie family on April 16th, and that makes the event even more powerful. It is in memory of Jeremy but in a way it represents a lot of the other victims who shared similar passions. I'm glad we are doing it, because it expresses the Hokie unity that flows through each of us.”

The race on the 18th goes from 8am to noon.  Registration fees are $15 per event.  Those interested in participating in the race can visit jherbsendlessjourney.com for more information.  The website, which was set up free of charge by Tech alum Matt Bolling, houses registration forms and maps of the course as well as information on hotel accommodations.