A tribute to Andrea Conroy is set to begin the Airdrie Rotary Clubís seventh annual Tour de Airdrie road race.
Conroy, a personal trainer and a mother in her early 30s, was murdered in Airdrie, in February.
The race is being held on April 22 at Genesis Place, and it is a fundraiser for groups fighting to end domestic violence.
ìAndrea was a friend. She was somebody that you would have never imagined would be a victim of domestic violence,î said Rebecca Nielsen, organizer of the tribute.
ìIt was a moment where everyone realized this situation can happen to anyone.î
Nielsen said supporters of Conroy wish to embrace her memory by increasing awareness of domestic violence. She said the Airdrie Rotary Club agreed to start the event by hosting a race for Conroyís supporters, where anyone can choose to run in her memory, at 10 a.m.
This will be followed by a five-kilometre, a 10-kilometre and a half-marathon race.
Conroyís supporters will wear purple shirts in her honour.
ìWe chose purple because that is the colour of the ribbon for awareness of domestic violence,î said Nielsen.
They will be selling the shirts for $10, with all proceeds going to Community Links.
There will also be a memorial to Conroy displayed at the race, along with information for people dealing with domestic violence.
ìWe encourage anyone who wants to participate in this yearís run/walk to sign up and help us raise money to help end family violence right here at home,î said co-chair for Tour de Airdrie Ceara Campbell.
Registration is $50 per runner, or $40 for early registration by April 13. Itís not a professional race, everyone is invited to participate.
For more information or to register for the seventh annual Tour de Airdrie, visit www.tourdeairdrie.com
