Runners everywhere unite under #MilesForMollie to demand safety for women

Runners here in Colorado and across the globe are taking to social media to dedicate runs to the memory of Mollie Tibbetts, a University of Iowa student who went missing while out on a run on July 18 and was later found dead.

United by the hashtag #MilesForMollie, these runners are tweeting about her spirit, her death, fear for their own safety and anger over the catcalls they hear when they run.

Ashlee Justis, a Denver marathoner, tweeted during her run today at Cherry Creek State Park, saying she’ll continue to run “because it is what I love.”

The mid point on my run today at Cherry Creek State Park. Sending thoughts and prayers to the family and loved ones of Molly Tibbetts. I will keep running because it is what I love #MilesForMollie pic.twitter.com/AkojI6eazs

— Ashlee Justis (@ashleechild3) August 24, 2018

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Many of the tweeters repeated the sentiment expressed by Haylee Elizabeth of Sioux Falls, S.D., who wrote in all capital letters, “WOMEN SHOULD BE ABLE TO RUN ALONE AND FEEL SAFE.” Brin Riley of Milwaukee, Wis., tweeted that every time she ran while Tibbetts was missing, she prayed for her to be found alive. Kristina Cromer of Port Orange, Fla., tweeted that her date night on Thursday became a run for Mollie.

#MilesforMollie Peace be with her family. May we always run safely but never scared. Tonight’s date night was spent in workout clothes. He ran his miles. And I ran mine. And then we met at Taco Shack because it’s $1 taco night!!! pic.twitter.com/VACen8ePbY

— Kristina Cromer (@KristinaCromer) August 24, 2018

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Tibbetts came to love running while in grade school and ran track in high school. One tweeter noted that she spoke fondly of the special bond runners have with each other. Her body was found Tuesday.

Cristhian Behena Rivera, 24, was charged with first-degree murder. According to the arrest warrant, he “admitted to making contact with a female running” and left her body in a cornfield.

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