Athens Community Honors Laken Riley with Annual 5K Run

Two years after her tragic death, Laken Riley's legacy lives on through a memorial run and new legislation named in her honor.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 8:48pm

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Two years after Laken Riley, a nursing student at Augusta University's Athens campus, was attacked and killed while jogging near Lake Herrick on the University of Georgia campus, her family, friends, and the Athens community gathered for the annual "Run for Your Life" 5K to remember her. The 5K event, which had 588 registered participants, shifted from physical exertion to somber reflection as the final runners crossed the finish line.

Why it matters

Laken Riley's tragic death sparked significant legal change with the passing of the Laken Riley Act, which requires local law enforcement to contact Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when an undocumented individual commits a crime. While the family supported the legislation to prevent future tragedies, they have remained steadfast in their request that Laken be remembered for the person she was - a daughter, a sister, and a friend - rather than a political symbol.

The details

The "Run for Your Life" 5K kicked off at 8:00 a.m. on the University of Georgia campus, with hundreds of participants honoring Laken Riley's memory. Laken's sister, Lauren Phillips, shared an emotional tribute, describing a bond that went far beyond siblinghood. The tragedy also became a catalyst for the Laken Riley Act, which was signed into law on Jan. 29, 2025 and is described as the most "consequential immigration legislation in 30 years."

  • The "Run for Your Life" 5K event took place on February 21, 2026, two years after Laken Riley's death.
  • Laken Riley was attacked and killed while jogging near Lake Herrick on the University of Georgia campus on February 22, 2024.
  • The Laken Riley Act was signed into law on January 29, 2025.

The players

Laken Riley

A nursing student at Augusta University's Athens campus who was tragically killed while jogging near Lake Herrick on the University of Georgia campus in 2024.

Lauren Phillips

Laken Riley's sister, who shared an emotional tribute at the "Run for Your Life" 5K event, describing a bond that went far beyond siblinghood.

Jose Ibarra

Laken Riley's killer, who was later convicted on all counts, including malice murder, and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Mike Collins

U.S. Representative who attended the event to discuss the Laken Riley Act, which was signed into law on Jan. 29, 2025 and requires local law enforcement to contact Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when an undocumented individual commits a crime.

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What they’re saying

“Laken was my best, best, best friend. She was so motherly... I'm just blessed that I had 17 years with her.”

— Lauren Phillips, Laken Riley's sister

“She was the light of the room. Her smile and her laugh—everyone just knows she was so perfect. I know she pushed so many people to Jesus.”

— Lauren Phillips, Laken Riley's sister

“I asked the family if we could put her name on it. They said if it'll help save lives so that there's a possibility another family won't have to go through this, then please do that.”

— Mike Collins, U.S. Representative

What’s next

The Laken Riley Act, which was signed into law on Jan. 29, 2025, will continue to be implemented and enforced by local law enforcement agencies across the country.

The takeaway

Laken Riley's tragic death has left an indelible mark on the Athens community, inspiring both a memorial run to honor her memory and significant legislative change to prevent future tragedies. While the Laken Riley Act has sparked debate, the family's request to remember Laken as a beloved daughter, sister, and friend serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost behind every act of violence.