Blacksburg, Va., Apr. 20-3.2 for 32: On the drillfield people are preparing for the 3.2 mile marathon. Photo: Terrell Edmunds
Terrell Edmunds
April 20, 2016
Ninth Annual Remembrance Marathon
Virginia Tech recently hosted its annual, 3.2 for 32 run on April 16th in remembrance of the 32 lives tragically lost in 2007.
According to the We Remember website, 3.2 for 32 is an annual marathon reflecting on the lives of the 32 people who were lost in the 2007 shootings. On April 16th the Blacksburg and Christiansburg community comes together to give support and showed remembrance to the families of the students and faculty.
The registration website stated, that students began to the check in at War memorial at 7:30 a.m. to participate in the 3.2 mile run at 9:43 a.m. on April 16, 2007. The run began on the drill field, circled around the president’s house, and pasted through lane stadium on its way back to the drill field. There were a few thousand participants in this year’s marathon.
Senior Devante Ruffin said, “The atmosphere is pretty live! Whenever Virginia Tech has an event the Hokies’ definitely show out and show a lot of Hokie pride.”
Blacksburg, Va., Apr.16-3.2 for 32: Participants running through the tunnel into Lane Stadium. Photo: Terrell Edmunds
This infographic gives you a better look at why the event is taking place, and who we are remembering. Infographic: Terrell Edmunds
There were multiple volunteers that helped organize this event. Students and people of the community volunteered to help direct the runner, and provide restrooms and snacks to the runners. The JROTC also helped tremendously with setting up the event and directing runners the right way.
Sophomore Colin Wellborn stated, “It’s very positive, and active it’s a lot of energy in the air. I’m excited to run the race for my first time, and to be apart of the remembrance.”
This was the ninth anniversary of the April 16, 2007 tragedy. The feelings on campus were mixed throughout the day with remembrance, rejoice, and sorrow. The memories will always remain on the Virginia Tech campus no matter how resilient or supportive the community may be. Hashtags like #neVerforgeT is a trending topic on social media sites displaying the feelings and reflections of this tragic day.