Long Islanders 'Run With Maud' To Honor Slain Georgia Jogger

LONG ISLAND, NY — As part of an international effort to honor 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery, who was shot and killed in Georgia in February while out on a run, Long Islanders ran 2.23 miles and posted to social media. The "#IRunWithMaud" virtual event was organized by Arbery's former high school football coach, according to CNN. Arbery was killed on Feb. 23, and Friday would have been his birthday.

Long Islanders joined in the virtual event from Nassau County to the East End. Nancy Rettaliata, a Blue Point resident, dedicated her morning run to the social media awareness effort after being moved by seeing the video of the tragedy online.

"It's heartbreaking," she told Patch. "I was crying watching the video."

Rettaliata said she hopes a lot of people post their own runs for Arbery.

Sarah Thompsen, of Sayville, posted her 2.23 mile run to Facebook with the following message:

"Let's work to ensure justice is served, work to build a society that clearly and unequivocally sends the message that this will not be tolerated. We clearly still have a long way to go. So we keep going."

Michael Brady of Kings Park posted his three 2.23 mile runs on social media Friday morning hoping it would bring awareness to the issue of racism.

"I thought about that poor man the entire time, and really felt helpless. I guess the run served that purpose, kept him on my mind and made me reflect on the racism that is still so prevalent in this country."

But Brady expressed that just reflection isn't enough, in his opinion, to prevent this type of tragedy.

"We have to actively fight this racism, especially those of us who are privileged enough to run and participate in the world without giving the color of our skin a second thought."

A father and son were arrested Thursday and charged with murder in the case, more than two months after the killing.