###  2nd Annual Virtual Run for Sherry

**Be Safe. Run On.**

Gretchen Rubin says, “ _The days are long, but the years are short_.” This year has zipped by in all of its busy-ness and routine, but some days have felt tortuously long. After a tragedy, you think life should stop and stand still, but it somehow it just keeps going. I can’t believe it’s been a year since my cousin **Sherry** was killed. Sherry’s death has brought greater attention to what we can do as runners to **be safe and to be aware**.

Most of you know the story (covered by media world wide) too well, but if you don’t, here is a **brief summary and update** :

On January 7, 2012, Sherry Arnold, age 43 and a mother of two, left her house in the small town of Sidney, Montana at 6:30 a.m. for an **early morning run**. Sherry often ran within the town limits and January 7 was no exception. When Sherry did not come home later that morning, however, her husband began to worry. He called the police and a search ensued. By 3:00 p.m. hundreds of volunteers were searching for Sherry and only one clue had been found, Sherry’s right Brook’s running shoe. 

For several days there was no sign of Sherry. On the seventh day, a tip was received on the FBI’s tip line that led to the arrest of two men, one in North Dakota and one in South Dakota. One of the men confessed to killing Sherry. She had been abducted and killed at 6:40 a.m., only about a mile from her house. Reports indicate that the two men had been using drugs while driving from Colorado to Montana to find work. They decided to find and kill a woman when they got to Montana. As the report goes, Sherry ran by their parked car and said, “ _Hi_.” Then, she was grabbed and choked, dying immediately. 

Sherry’s body was finally found on March 21, 2012, in a shallow grave near Williston, North Dakota. The two suspects have been incarcerated in Sidney since they were arrested. This week, state District Judge Richard Simonton set trial dates of November 4, 2013 and and January 6, 2014. Each suspect faces one count of deliberate homicide and attempted kidnapping. Prosecutors have said they intend to seek the **death penalty** if the defendants are convicted. 

At Sherry’s funeral on March 30, 2012

The loss of someone, anyone who is dear to us, is heartbreaking. The sudden loss of someone to violence is indescribable. As a mother, sister, daughter, friend, teacher, runner, wife, niece, and cousin, Sherry was so much to so many and her absence leaves voids in homes, schools, churches - everywhere. No doubt her family and community have suffered greatly this year trying to make sense of it all (is there any sense to it all?). But they bottom line is, life was better when she was here, and without her, some things have simply fallen apart. 

As runners and women, we **fear it could have been us**. Our hearts continue to break for her students, her family, her community. The human connection often feels deepest during tragedy. With her disappearance and death, the goodness poured out of people worldwide, and as many as**30,000** of you ran in Sherry’s honor on February 11, 2012. 

There will be a **2nd Annual Virtual Run for Sherry on February 9, 2013**. Races 2 Remember generously donated their time to creating a running bib for Sherry last year and they have also helped with this year’s bib. 

**_Details:_**

  * Mark your calendars 
  * Print out a running bib and pin it to your shirt 
  * Gather your friends, your running club members, your families 
  * If it’s wet where you are, “laminate” your bib with postage tape and punch holes in it 
  * If that time doesn’t work, go when you can 
  * GO. Run as far and as long as you want. Walk, hike, cycle, rollerblade if you don’t want to or can’t run. 
  * Please share this on your blogs, Facebooks and Twitters 
  * Keep it simple. Just run with Sherry on your minds and hearts. 



The**goal for the run** is two fold: 

  1. To get the MOST love, momentum and energy moving in **honor of Sherry.** This run symbolizes a hope for continued healing and honors a woman who was courageous, strong and loved by so many. When we run for Sherry, we also run for other runners who have been brutally attacked. 
  2. The run symbolizes our promise to **run as SAFELY** as we can, but to not fearfully scramble inside to treadmills or to stop doing something we love due to fear. Please read HERE for more information on steps you can take to **run more safely**



For those of us in the Denver/Boulder/Longmont area I will be organizing a group run so let me know if you are interested and I will give details. 

A Facebook page has been set up for last year’s run and this year’s event 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for caring about Sherry and her family and for **running in her honor. Be Safe. Run On.**

**_Can you run on February 9?_**

  1. I will run for Sherry again this year for sure!

  2. I can (and will) run for Sherry on the 9th!  


  3. I am in! RIP Sherry..

  4. I am going to share this with my running group.

  5. I will pass the message along to all my running friends in western Montana. I know they will be in too. 

  6. Absolutely hate hearing stories like this, but cheers to you for keeping her spirit and memory alive! I'll share this with my running buddies too!

  7. I am hoping to gather some friends to run for Sherry up here in Ottawa, ON, Canada. Rain or snow. her story, and your story of healing touched me. Thank you for sharing this journey, and her story so candidly. 

  8. I will run for Sherry again this year....I am doing a run on 2/10 so that will be my day to run for her.

  9. We're in, again, and always. Thanks...

  10. I put it on my calendar!

  11. Running a local race with my Run for Sherry bib on Feb 9th!

  12. I am so there. I was hurt and couldn't run last year, but I'll be putting in the miles for Sherry this year!

  13. Love that quote from Gretchen Rubin...it is so true! I will be running for Sherry and I will also definitely share on my blog!!

  14. I will, definitely, yes. Sherry's story hit me hard and I think of her every time I run outside.   
  
When I was younger I never had any fear. I would run at night through ice and snow, music pounding in my headphones, and not even think twice. Only one time in college I felt like I was being followed by two men in a pickup. I cut through a cornfield and made it home safely, then went right back out the next day, same route, same headphones. But since my son was born, I have really felt my mortality and struggled with anxiety when I run outside. I love running, especially alone and especially on trails, but fear stopped me from doing that for a long time.   
  
I have just gotten back in the running groove and take every precaution in the book. It makes me so angry that we cannot do something as simple as just run without danger. It makes me so angry that evil people lurk around and that runners -- doing something that should be so blissful and relaxing -- are easy targets.   
  
Every time I run, I channel Sherry and ask her to run with me. I keep her in my thoughts for strength -- not as an example of what to fear. Beth, I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for organizing this virtual run. I will be there.

  15. I will dedicate my next 5k race on that day to Sherry..

  16. My 8 year old nephew was looking at my running bulletin board this weekend and asked, "Did they ever find Mrs. Sherry?" He remembered running for her last year in his first race (www.runfortheboys.blogspot.com/2012/02/run-for-cookies-runwiththeboys.html) and I hadn't had the heart to tell him last year that they indeed had found her. I told him that yes, they had found her and some really bad men hurt her (his dad, my brother, is in law enforcement so he has a little more knowledge than most about bad people). He was sad and asked if we were going to run again for her this year. I told him of he wanted to, we certainly would (I didn't know if there would be an official run or not). "I want to," he said....from the mouths of babes. My guess is that he will grow to remember Sherry his whole life; when he sees a lone runner out on the road or when he is on the road himself. Sherry's life (and unfortunately her death) has had and will continue to have a profound impact on the lives of others...from one little boy who lives on a farm in Northwest Florida to countless others around the world. Thanks for organizing this and keeping Sherry at the forefront of our thoughts.

  17. I would love to know when the organized run is so I can try and make it. If not, I will definitely still be doing a run for Sherry!

  18. I ran last year and will be running again this year. thank you for sharing her story and keeping us all more aware. My heart goes out to you all. xoxo Tammy

  19. I will run again for Sherry. 

  20. Last year I ran a 15K for Sherry. This year, I am recovering from knee surgery, but I will  
dedicate my 5K this Saturday to Sherry!

  21. I think of Sherry everytime I run outside. I am much more aware of my surroundings and I even try not to run alone - something I never would have thought twice about 10 years ago [of course, I also wouldn't have thought twice about running 10 years ago] . . .   
  
Thank you for keeping her memory alive and I will certainly be joining you Feb 9

  22. My wife and I are running a Valentine's 14k in Va Beach that day. Do you think it'd be ok if we wear this on our backs? 

  23. Last year I ran in 4 degree weather and I will do it again this year! 

  24. I'm already signed up for a Valentine's Race that day and will be adding Sherry's bib to the official race one!

  25. I ran last year and will most definitely run again this year. May we never forget and all run safely as well.

  26. I'm totally running it this year. I couldn't last year, because I just had surgery. 

  27. I'll be running again this year, proudly wearing my bib!

  28. I will absolutely do this again this year! I will blog about it later to get the message out. 

  29. Yes, I would love to run with you for the virtual run. Keep me posted. I think of Sherry often!

  30. <3 Anything for Sherry! --Bainville, Montana

  31. http://www.sunburst.k12.mt.us/cms/lib2/MT01001588/Centricity/Domain/4/Sherry%20Arnold%20Run%20Feb%202.pdf  
  
http://www.greatfallstribune.com/article/20130128/LIFESTYLE/301280032/Memorial-runs-set-slain-teacher-Sherry-Arnold 

  32. Will be running from Spain. Paula (my daughter) competes that day and we have an hour gap I'll be glad to use ;)

  33. Sherry's story always gives me chills. What a senseless crime. I always bear her story in mind on my morning runs; it was her story that prompted me to buy a can of jogger's mace and to begin carrying a phone with me on my runs.  
  
I will be joining the run Feb. 9th.

  34. As a man, I find it important to read stories like this every once and a while to remind myself what different worlds the two sexes often reside in. Just awful.

  35. Without a doubt I'll be running for Sherry that day.

  36. Definitely running for Sherry again. I think of her often on my runs.

  37.   
I was a coach in Froid/Lake. I knew Sherry from her being a ref at a few of our games. I will run for her.  


  38. I'll be running for Sherry again. this year in a new place and unfamiliar routes, I think often of Sherry. She helps me stay alert and mindful that it's up to me to do everything I can to return home.

  39. My running partners and I have a nine mile training run that day. We will all run in memory of Sherry and to raise awareness of running safety.

  40. My BRF and I are scheduled for the same 5k we ran last year in Sherry's memory! It is our honor to do this little thing for your family 

  41. Had commented on FB, so this will be no surprise to Beth. I'll be running here, and will be trying to gather up the Calgary chapter of the SUAR fan club.

  42. I think of Sherry often when I am out running by myself and I always pray for peace and healing for her family. I ran last year and will again this year. Last year I ran by myself and cried most of the way, this year I'm working to organize a group run down here in South Florida.

  43. I run for Sherry everytime I head out the door and Feb. 9th will be no different!

  44. I can't believe it's a year..

  45. I'm definitely in even though I am on the other side of the planet. 9 Feb it is!

  46. I think of Sherry often, when I'm heading out for a run. You bet your ass I will be running for Sherry on Feb 9!

  47. I grew up with Sherry & we miss her & think of her daily. Or prayers continue to be lifted up! We will be running for her on the 9th! 

  48. Hey Bismarck runners, print your bib and let's meet at the YMCA at 6am that morning, what an honor to be able to run for Sherri 

  49. I read about Sherry for the first time shortly before I started 'running school' to train for my first 5k. Since then, I've thought of her often. Though she was taken too soon, her fate is so often on my mind in terms of safety and precaution.   
I often have to wonder if the lessons of safety she has brought to light has saved a life...quite possibly my own.   
I will run for Sherry in my Half Marathon Training group. On 2/8, our longest run yet, my personal longest as well, I will run for Sherry, and through it all, I'll remember that I still can. God bless you....XOXO

  50. I am in for 13 miles that day. I've already printed out my bib, pinned it on, and posted about it. I think of Sherry often.

  51. I'll be running in memory of Sherry.

  52. I just found your blog last summer. I read about Sherry & all the emotions there. It kind of hit home with me because there is a former highway patrol officer attacking women here in our canyons. They will not testify because they are so terrified of him. He threatens their families & loved ones. The police cannot get him off the streets without their testimonies. He has not killed anyone yet. That is probably just a matter of time.  
  
I started a blog with my daughter & daughter-in-law. I decided my first post would be about this & the virtual run for Sherry. We don't have any followers yet but hopefully it will reach others & continue to help each other deal with the evil that is in this world. We will be running in memory of Sherry.  
  
Oh...here is the blog address. runninginthefablane.com

  53. I will run in her honor on that day!   
  
I'm also hoping to do the Snow Joke 1/2 Marathon in Seeley Lake, MT on Feb 23. If I do, I will surely wear the bib on my back for that race as well ~ I could use her strength to get through it!   


  54. I'll be doing the Valentine 5K in Campbell, CA (San Jose) and wear the bib for Sherry. I'll have some middle schoolers with me too (I coach the XC team) -- and I'll tell them about her. It will be another good opportunity to remind them about safety. Thanks!

  55. Marks Group Broadcasting (TV out of Glendive, Radio in Miles City, Forsyth, Glendive, Sidney, Williston, and Dickinson) would like to talk to anyone who is organizing a run in their community for Sherry. Even If you don't wan't to talk, please email where and what time in your community people will meet to run so we can get it on air.  
Email newsdesk@kxgn.com Thanks!

  56. I ran for Sherry last year and this year my whole marathon club will be running for Sherry. Glad I am able to organize something in my area for such a good cause.

  57. I am a little late to the game, sorry! But I will be running for Sherry again this year. I will be running with at least 1 other friend in Virginia.  
Last year for the run, the only time it stopped snowing was when my friend and I were saying a prayer in Sherry's honor. It was like we were getting a nod from up above to, "Run and be safe."   
Thank you for the honor of including us in this run.

  58. I'll be running 10+ miles for Sherry on the treadmill. Not out of fear of safety-- I moved indoors for the winter. FYI- This was posted in the #Run3rd group on facebook and I'm tweeting it as well with the hashtag #Run3rd. 

  59. I gladly dedicate my 18 miler on Sat to Sherry.

  60. I ran for her last year, and will be honored to do so again this year.

  61. I ran for Sherry last year, and will again this year. God bless her and the friends and loved ones she left behind. I think of her ofter, while I run outside.

  62. I will wear it on the 10th during the Rock N Roll 5k in St. Petersburg, Florida.

  63. Running 7 miles Saturday in Sherry's honor. Posted on FB (Juggle Like a Mama and my personal FB page too). Will also be posting on my blog, jugglelikeamama.blogspot.com.  
Thoughts with you and the rest of your family & friends.

  64. I ran last year and will run again to honor her. This year I have a Valentine's run, so it'll be a 10k (last year it was a 5 b/c I wasn't up to 10k) :). Will pray for those who personally lost her on my run!!

  65. Running my Cupid Chase this Saturday in her memory.

  66. Since I am not racing this weekend, me and my girls will be wearing ours on Saturday, Feb 16th in Tulsa, OK. What an amazing and strong family you are! What a privilege to honor her; thank you for this idea, we will be safe, smart and not scared!!!

  67. I ran for Sherry last year and I'm running for her again this year.

  68. I will post to our local running group, in MRTT and I myself can commit to run for Sherry.

  69. Sherry's story really hit me hard, perhaps because my own cousin Sheri and I are both about her age, and my Sheri actually resembles your Sherry slightly. In the past year I have thought of her often and I will be honored to run in her memory this Saturday.

  70. Sherry's story is one most of us will never forget. We live not far from Sidney and have thought about Sherry and her family so much. It definitely has changed my running habits of not going alone early in the morning and also I am letting someone know my route etc. I have been wearing an ID bracelet and carrying pepper spray,too. I have been running in her honor many times and for sure will make it a special time on the 9th of Feb. Thanks for organizing this again. Donna

  71. It's an honor to run for Sherry this year and last! God bless.

  72. Last year I invited area runners to join me through a local running club's weekly email with race and training run updates. It was kind of last minute and only one other runner showed up. That's okay because we ran the same pace and made plans to run together again. A year later, we've done signed up for several races together and we run together twice a week, usually before the sun comes up, when neither of us feels safe running alone. I hate that Sherry's tragedy is what caused us to meet but I'm so grateful for my friend and running partner. We'll be running together on Saturday in honor of Sherry.

  73. I am doing a Million Inch Run Saturday (15.78 miles) and already have bibs downloaded and laminated to support Sherry.

  74. This comment has been removed by the author.

  75. I will be running for Sherry this year in Arkansas. Much love and prayers are still sent to her family from 1,200 miles away. She is in my heart

  76. I'm running for Sherry tomorrow the 9th at the Valentine's Dash in Seattle WA. Thousands of people will see Sherry's bib on my back. Thinking of you, Beth, and hoping your family is finding peace...even a year later. It never gets easier, but know that you are loved.

  77. Myself, boyfriend and running partner in Phoenix, AZ will be participating as we are out training tomorrow :) 

  78. We will walk for Sherrie again this year in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We have two adult daughter runners. Women should be safe in their lives and in all their   


  79. Ran 8.18 miles today; Kansas hill with running buddy Robyn Klawuhn, and virtually with Natalie Yardley in Arizona for Sherry!  


  80. The Itasca Runners in Itasca, IL were out with our bibs on doing a great 5 miles for Sherry this morning. Write up with pictures will follow soon!

  81. I haven't run this past year. At all. And the reason is fear. Last January I was attacked while running short mileage in a nature preserve near my home. I was a beaten up mess, but I survived. And even though I was seen at a local emergency room with a victim advocate in tow, police declined to take the report because, "that kind of thing just doesn't happen." Sherry is proof that it does. I am so sorry for your loss and so proud of all that you do to keep her memory alive and keep others safe. XOXO.

  82.   
http://hotconfidence.blogspot.com/2013/02/itasca-runners-in-2nd-annual-virtual.html

  83. I think that is one of the so much significant info for    
me. And i am satisfied studying your article. But should commentary on few normal issues, The web site style is perfect,   
the articles is in reality excellent : D. Good process, cheers  


  84. Wow, incredible weblog structure! How lengthy have you ever been blogging for?  
you made running a blog glance easy. The total look of your website is excellent, as smartly as the content material!  


  85. Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to   
assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts.  
Anyway I will be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently rapidly.  


  86. However, these are the most functional for readers. With the "information age" well under way, this is not surprising.  
You also need to know how you are going to publish your book   
and you have 3 choices:.  


  87. If you want a Premium Minecraft Account check out this   
generator. With it you can generate a unique Minecraft Premium Account which no one else   
has! You can Download the Free Premium Minecraft Account Generator http://www.  
  
get-minecraft-free.tk  
  
Thanks on your marvelous posting! I certainly enjoyed reading it, you are a great   
author. I will be sure to bookmark your blog and will come back at some point.  
I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great posts, have a nice afternoon!  


  88. story is one most of us will never forget. I would love to know when the organized run is so i can try and make it. If not i will definitely still be doing a run for Sherry.  


  89. Hiya! I know this is kinda off topic but I'd figured I'd ask.  
Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing a blog post or vice-versa?  
  
My blog covers a lot of the same subjects as yours and I think we could greatly   
benefit from each other. If you happen to be interested feel free to send me an e-mail.  
  
I look forward to hearing from you! Awesome blog by the way!