To be brutally honest with you I’ve been scared to run for the last week. The tragic and needless death of Jeremy Kunz in this years Las Vegas Ragnar Relay effected me greatly. Over the past couple of months we here at One Runner’s Brain have tried to advocate runner safety. Whether it’s rules of the road or wearing the correct clothing, there’s a lot we need to do to make sure we can be seen by motorists. I’ve tried to lead by example but I decided the amount of reflective clothing I wore was not enough.

Most of my long runs are on Charleston Blvd./Nevada State Route 159 which treks thru the beautiful Spring Mountains and The Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area (if you’re ever in Las Vegas you have to run out here). This is a popular route (especially for cyclists and more and more runners) because you can take this road to Blue Diamond Road (about 15 miles) and back and not have to worry about one single stop light. What you do have to worry about (especially in the dark, early morning hours) are vehicles seeing you on the shoulder of the road.

This weekend I went out and purchased a Nathan Night Fall Vest and I’m sleeping and running with a much clearer mind. Knowing that I’m going to light up like a Christmas tree to oncoming drivers is much more comforting than wondering if they’re going to see you. I still carry a flashlight and prepare to launch myself into a gully at the first sign of lights heading my way, but I know they can see me.

If you’re not wearing reflective gear, please go out get some. There are many inexpensive items from reflective tape, wrist bands and vests. Don’t leave it up to chance. We can’t stop drunk or reckless drivers but there are steps we can take to make running a whole lot safer!!!

Jeremy and Melinda Kunz (wife) at the start line of the Ragnar Relay Las Vegas.

This weekend, a great event turned into tragedy. During the Las Vegas Ragnar Relay, Jeremy Kunz was struck and killed by a drunk driver. While I have no connection to the race or the Kunz family, the news of this tragedy hit me hard. For the news story, CLICK HERE.

In an official statement from the Ragnar Race officials:

In the early morning hours of Saturday, October 10 Jeremy Kunz was struck by a suspected drunk driver while providing support to a runner on his team. Police and Rescue responded quickly, as did several Ragnar teams. Unfortunately Jeremy could not be resuscitated. Special thanks goes out to team 184, “The Dog Pound,” which was first on the scene and provided immediate aid to Jeremy. Jeremy’s family has asked us to thank team 184 and other teams who were there. Thank you!

The driver was apprehended and arrested for DUI and other charges. He is currently in custody. Police have released very few other details.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Kunz family and those closest to him. As runners, I think we form a bond with runners and what happens to them affects us all.

There is now a way to make a donation to the family. You can do so at www.jerandmin.com there is a link at the top of the page inside the photo of Jeremy. They will be setting up an account with Zions Bank tomorrow. For now this is the best way to donate. Donations will benefit Jeremy’s children.

You can read and add your sentiments at the Ragnar Relay Facebook page.