NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – A touching event is planned for Saturday in memory of 26-year-old Joey Fetch, who died while competing in the St. Jude Rock 'n' Roll Running Series marathon.
Nashville's running community plans to gather where Fetch fell. Fetch collapsed just a few miles from the finish line at Shelby Park, 3 hours and 49 minutes into the marathon.
“I was shocked. I couldn't believe it,” said Joey's friend Aaron Frank.
Frank said his dear friend Joey always gave his 100%, including when training for his first marathon. “There are only a few ways to describe Joey, but they would be fierce, passionate, and fun. Even on a bad day, you would never know because he was always smiling.”
But what was supposed to be a celebration turned into a tragedy.
“It was a moment that made me realize that we all have to come together and support each other,” Lauren Osborne said.
Now, runners across Nashville will be finishing Joey's run. Runners will meet near where Joey fell and finish the last few miles, organizer Lauren Osborne said.
“Joey was the type of person who didn't start something to finish it, he worked his hardest to the end,” Frank said.
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This is just one way we honor Joey, our beloved son, brother, boyfriend, talented chef, and friend to many.
“Tomorrow is going to be an emotional day for a lot of people, but I'm really excited to get it done for him, but he's going to be there and he's going to be there with us. “I guess so,” Frank said.