Jacksonville running group provides safe space for women in wake of Georgia nursing student’s death

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville group is providing a safe space for women who like to take a stroll outdoors in the wake of the death of a Georgia nursing student.

Moms on the Run get together to run in different locations around Jacksonville so runners don’t have to run alone.

Laken Hope Riley, 22, who was studying nursing at Augusta University, went out for a run Thursday morning. After a friend told police she had not returned, officers immediately began a search and found her body on the University of Georgia campus in a forested area near Lake Herrick that includes trails popular with runners and walkers.

Jose Ibarra, 26, was taken into custody in connection with Riley’s murder.

“It’s an unfortunate circumstance of the world that we live in today. I wish it wasn’t like that but it is and that little extra preparation can mean the difference between something happening and something not,” News4JAX Crime and Safety Analyst Tom Hackney said.

Amiee Cords, a volunteer coach with the organization, said it’s frustrating that women can’t exercise alone without the fear of getting hurt.

“It would be great if we could come up with some ways to stop that from where it starts. Right now the only thing we can do is try to protect ourselves, right? So it’s unfortunate but I always run with mace,” Cords said.

Hackney said running with mace is a good way to add a level of protection to a run. He also recommended running in pairs and having an accountability partner check in with you if you have to run alone.

“Have that sense of where you are, keep your head on your shoulders, kind of be aware of your surroundings at all times, coming in and going out. Before you start a run, as you’re stretching, just be aware of who’s around you and where you are. Be aware of where you park. It’s just general safety,” Hackney said.

Visit momsontherun.com to learn more about the group.