This Saturday the Sole Runners are leading a memorial run for Hiroko Spradlin. Last Saturday Hiroko was hit and killed by a truck while out on her Saturday run. Here’s the Link to  Hiroko’s Story:  ThatsSoHiroko-Tribute

Hiroko was the most honored Sole Runner in our history. She won her age group at the Marine Corps Marathon, Surf City and many others. I would always run in to her at the LA Marathon in the middle of the course, a little surprised, because she wouldn’t tell me her race plans. I ran with her in Athens and Berlin. And I was able to meet her at the summit of Mt Whitney when Isabelle lead a group of Sole Runners up to the top. I am heartbroken.

This tragic event is a terrible way to raise our awareness that this can happen to any of us. We have had thousands of runners go through our Sole Runners Full and Half Marathon Training Programs. We always talk about safety when running, but now we will talk about it even more. Never trust a driver. Make eye contact with the driver when you cross in front of any car. If you are crossing a street when a driver is making or going to make a right turn, assume they are going to roll that stop sign. If you are coming from their right and they are looking to left, don’t assume they are going to look back to the right and see you. Always assume drivers do not see you. Wave and wait until they wave you through. If they are stopped run behind the car. Be safe.

Coach Steve