Runners and walkers of all ages from the Buffalo community will come together this Sunday for the annual Linda Yalem Memorial Run to pay tribute to the UB student who was raped and murdered on the Ellicott Creek bike path 14 years ago.
On the day she was murdered, 22-year-old Yalem was preparing for the New York City Marathon. Her attacker was never captured. Police later connected him with seven other murders.
"The purpose of this run is for the university and local community to remember Linda Yalem by promoting personal safety awareness and rape prevention," said Edward Brodka, assistant director of leadership development programs for Student Life.
Last year, the Yalem run was a source of controversy when the Student Association pulled its funding from the event, citing a lack of support from the family.
After much criticism from the student body and UB administration, and a statement of support from a Yalem family member last fall, SA is once again contributing to the annual event.
SA Treasurer Jessica Dangler said she is proud to be part of an organization that helps to fund the race.
"This race is a great cause and it helps remind women to be careful," Dangler said. "Many organizations are coming together to volunteer for the marathon. I just wanted to stress how our clubs are extremely supportive of the race."
Brodka said the Yalem run is a perfect example of campus-wide cooperation with planning with committee members across the UB.
"This collaborative effort highlights the importance of the fact that the personal safety of our community is everyone's responsibility," Brodka said.
Last year 1,137 people participated in the five-kilometer race, a number event officials said they hope to top this Sunday.
Starting and finishing near Alumni Arena on North Campus, the Linda Yalem run will kick off at 9:30 a.m. Participants can register in person Friday, Oct. 1 between 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., or the day of the race between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. in the main lobby of Alumni Arena.
The entry fee for UB students is $12 and for the rest of the community it is $17 prior to race day and $20 the day of the race. Money made from the fundraiser goes towards safety and anti-rape awareness groups like the Anti-Rape Task Force.
"Keep in mind that even though it is called a run, many people participate by simply walking," said Brodka, a committee member for the event. "It's not about whether you walk or run, or how fast you finish, it's about participating and making a difference."
Adria Henderson, a junior environmental design major, said she is considering signing up for the race.
"The race is a great cause, especially for women on campus because as a girl, I can't even walk alone without being conscious of my surroundings," Henderson said. "The world is not as safe as it used to be, so awareness is the best way to be safe, especially for girls. I feel proud to be running for a great cause."
Carrie Jacobson, a graduate student in higher education administration, said she'll be proud to run in the race for the second year in a row.
"I run it because I remember the event that began it. I was in high school at the time, and I was actually riding my bike on the bike path that day," Jacobson said. "I remember the fear I felt realizing that such terrible violence could happen to a young woman, and to any woman. I run it to show support for Ms. Yalem's family, the UB community, and the community at large. It is a fantastic experience and I hope it continues to grow."
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
