RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – Runners will gather this summer to honor the life of a woman killed in a mass shooting in Raleigh's Hedingham neighborhood. The North Carolina Road Runners Club is planning a memorial run for Sue Carnutt.
Karunatz was killed while driving along the Neuse River Greenway. She was an avid runner.
Sue and Tom Karnatz met in 2004 through the North Carolina Road Runners Club. Throughout our marriage, running has always been a habit.
“Running has been in the background throughout our relationship,” Carnutt said.
A memorial with flowers, messages of love and painted rocks marks the spot where Sue was killed. Now, when Carnatz regularly passes the monument on the greenway, part of Sue is with him.
“Depending on the day, I have different thoughts, so sometimes I just say hello as I walk by, other times I stop and tend to the memorial, and other times I shed a few tears and remember Sue.” said Karunat.
She was one of five people killed in the October 2022 shooting that left two others injured.
Tyler Peik, director of the North Carolina Road Runners Club, said this will be the first organized memorial run the club has hosted in Sue's honor. Paquet said running is a way to keep the memory alive.
“As a tribute, we want everyone to know that she is not forgotten and that she was a huge part of the running community,” Peik said. “It's been a little bit more time since everything happened, so it's a way to carry on her name and come together in a way and bring a larger group together.”
Paquet said the run will continue along the Neuse River Greenway and pass in front of Sue's monument.
“I'm thrilled that people are interested in coming together to remember Sue and share sweet stories,” Kurnutt said.
Mr Carnutt said that since Sue's death, many people had started stopping her to share how friendly and encouraging she was during their runs, and said that when they ran in front of the memorial. He said he wants people to remember that.
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“I want people to think of her that way. And if I can bring something like that into my life and be friendly and encouraging to others, that's a good thing.” Carnutt said.
People have run in Sue's honor in the past, including the Run for Sue and the City of Oaks Marathon.
A memorial run, sponsored by the North Carolina Road Runners Club, is scheduled for July around Sue's birthday. Paquet said anyone can participate. CBS 17 will share details as dates and times are determined.