Chelsea King, was last seen wearing running clothes in the Rancho Bernardo Community Park on February 25, 2010. Her body was found six days later. She was a seventeen year old high school student from Poway and while on a run she was abducted and killed by a known sex offender. I still remember seeing the missing fliers five years ago. Her loss was felt by so many, by those that knew her and also those who realized what it would be like to lose a friend or family member much too soon. A few members of the community were so affected by her loss that they decided to “finish” the run that she started when she was abducted. Word spread and on March 20th 2010 more than 3,500 people showed up to run and walk in honor of Chelsea King. This event was so moving that Brent and Kelly King, Chelsea’s parents, decided to make it an annual event.
Each year thousands of people show up in honor of Chelsea’s memory and to support Chelsea’s Light Foundation. Chelsea’s Light Foundation supports laws that help to protect children from sex offenders, sponsors Chelsea’s Light Peer Corps, and the Sunflower Scholarship Fund. The proceeds from the run is the primary fundraiser for the Sunflower Scholarship Fund. This fund “provid[es] scholarships for San Diego County college-bound teens who have embraced characteristics that embodied Chelsea’s academic prowess and service-over-self ethic”. The run is now also sponsored by Girl Scouts San Diego. Together Chelsea’s Light Foundation and the Girl Scouts of San Diego recognize a common goal “of recognizing and supporting young people who will make the world a better place”.
I have ran for the last four years and each time I participate I’m moved by the experience. All around you can see people who were inspired by Chelsea’s spirit. We run in memory of Chelsea, but also to continue to change the world in a way that Chelsea would approve of. Chelsea’s favorite flower was a sunflower. This is appropriate as sunflowers are bright and grow tall enough to tower above. You can see images (and real) sunflowers on the running bibs, on shirts, and people who put sunflower clips into their hair. Also, in memory of Chelsea some of her favorite quotes are written on the track.
This year the annual 5k walk/run is on March 7th , 2015 and starts at 7:30 at Balboa Park. There is the 5k route and for those who want to participate, but are unable to go that far there is a one mile route. After the run there are free refreshments, exhibits, activities, and entertainment.
As high school students we can understand the place where Chelsea was in her life and appreciate that she was taken before she even lived to fully grow into her amazing potential. To run and be able to give even a little to this wonderful event will help the Chelsea’s Light Foundation to continue “to unite and lead people who are passionate about protecting children and inspiring positive change in their communities” as they state in their core values.
Kelila Rotto is a Staff Writer for Pulse Magazine.