ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - On Thursday, people began picking up registration packets at the Cherokee County recreation center for the second annual Live Like Laken 5K this weekend.

“I’m here to pick up 40 packets for the River Ridge cross country team,” Claudia Kennison said. “The team is very excited for the event especially since it hits so close to home with Laken being one of our previous runners.”

The race is being run in honor of 22-year-old Laken Riley, a nursing student who was attacked and murdered while out for a run on the University of Georgia’s campus last year.

Cherokee County senior recreation coordinator Skyler Cox is helping organize the event. She says last year more than 731 people ran the race, raising more than $30,000 for the foundation created in Laken’s name.

“The Laken Hope Foundation supports existing organizations that promote safety awareness for women, aid and tuition assistance for nursing students and children’s healthcare,” Cox said.

The race starts at 8 a.m. on Saturday at Hobgood Park. Runners will receive t-shirts, bracelets and pamphlets with safety tips for running solo.

“She was a Cherokee County native. I think it was really important for us to be a part of that as well. And she inspires so many people daily and I think it is just an honor to be a part of this event and continue her legacy,” Cox said.

If you’re interested in running the race, you can register here. It’s $35 leading up to the race or $40 the morning of.

For more information on the race, click here.

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