Like so many Central Virginians we’ve followed the tragic story of Meg Menzies, the stay-at-home mom and avid runner who was killed by a drunk driver on the morning of January 13. Menzies was a member of the Richmond Road Runners and had run the Boston Marathon.

Now there’s an effort to honor Menzies that’s gaining national traction. The Meg’s Miles Facebook event page invites runners “to raise awareness of drunk driving, texting and driving, and overall safety of runners and cyclists everywhere,” by going on a run for Meg.

“This Saturday, January 18, 2014, no matter what your distance, no matter where you live, run for Meg. Take in the fresh air, be aware of your surroundings, keep your headphones on low, feel the heaviness in your lungs, the soreness in your legs, and be grateful for it — for all of it. The sweat, the pain, the wind, the cold…everything. Be grateful for that moment.

Menzies

Feel free to post pictures of yourself pre-run or post-run, post your distance, post your thoughts, prayers, condolences with the hashtag #megsmiles. Twitter, Instagram, Facebook. Let all runners unite together and remember the loss of a beautiful spirit. It’s not a coincidence the hashtag reads either “Meg’s Miles” or “Meg Smiles.” She will be smiling on all of us forevermore.

As of this afternoon, almost 45,000 had committed to run in Menzies’ honor.