Several people ran from Smithers, Prince Rupert, Nass Valley, and Kitimat to Terrace for the Tears to Hope Society’s annual relay.
This was the 7th year the event has run with the first runner leaving Smithers on Friday.
“For those routes, I believe there is about 47 runners we have in total, but then there’s also the virtual component so we do have people participating from all over,” said Founder Lorna Brown
Each leg of the relay was 10 kilometres long with the markers being the faces of those who have gone missing or been murdered along the highway.
When runners reach Terrace, an event is held to close the relay, thanking the runners, sponsors, and supporters for participating and helping.
Ahead of the relay, runners are offered a 13 week training course to help them prepare and be able to run the full 10 kilometres.
“It kind of ties into our healthy aspect of the work we do because we do believe healthy body, healthy mind,” said Brown.
“We feel like you’re less likely to be a target when you’re confident, healthy, and being super aware.”
She said the society was a continuation from the Highway of Tears name which was given to Highway 16 from Prince George to Prince Rupert by Florence Nazel.
The first walk was held by Nazel following the disappearance of Tamara Chipman.
“So, she started that original walk and as our men, women, girls, and boys continued to go missing, we really wanted to start something a little different to raise that awareness and work on prevention,” said Brown.
The relay is held the last weekend in May.
