NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — An emotional event has been planned for Saturday in honor of Joey Fecci, the 26-year-old who died while running in the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series marathon.
The Nashville running community will gather at the spot where Fecci collapsed. It was three hours and 49 minutes into the marathon when Fecci collapsed just a few miles away from the finish line in Shelby Park.
"I was shocked. I just didn’t believe it,” said Aaron Frank, Joey’s friend.
Frank said his dear friend Joey always gave his 100%, including training for his very first marathon. “There are only a few ways to describe Joey and it would be intense, passionate, and joyful—Even on his bad days you would never know because he was always laughing and smiling."
But what was supposed to be a celebration turned into tragedy.
“It's just a moment where we realize we all have to come together and support each other,” Lauren Osborn said.
So now, runners across Nashville will finish Joey’s run. Organizer Lauren Osborn said runners will meet near the area Joey collapsed and finish the last several miles.
“Joey was the kind of the person that didn’t start something to finish it but to give it his all the entire way,” Frank said.
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It's just one way to honor Joey, a beloved son, brother, boyfriend, talented chef, and friend to so many.
“Tomorrow is going to be an emotional day for a lot of people but I'm really excited to finish it for him, but he will be there, he’ll be there with us,” Frank said.