UW-Madison student Brittany Zimmermann will be commemorated at the first of four memorial 5k run/walks October 2 at 9 a.m.
Zimmermann was a third-year UW-Madison senior when she was murdered in her downtown Madison apartment in April 2008.
During the first year of the race half of the proceeds will go to the Zimmermann family to use toward solving Zimmermann's murder, according to a statement.
The other half of the proceeds from the event, as well as all collected proceeds after the first year, will be donated to Madison Area Crime Stoppers.
""Holding this event in her honor will also give members of the university community an opportunity to pay a tribute to one of their fallen students,"" South Campus Community Police Officer Erik Pearce said.
The Zimmermann family was apprehensive at first about the memorial, Brittany's mother Jean Zimmermann said. However, a Crime Stoppers meeting persuaded them to get involved in this event.
Kevin and Jean Zimmermann, Brittany's parents, will attend the memorial run/walk.
""It's the opportunity to support Brittany and her time as a Badger,"" UW-Madison Dean of Students Lori Berquam said.
The police said they have leads, but feel there are more people who have information who have yet to come forward. A more significant reward fund could make a difference, police said. Madison Police Chief Noble Wray said he is confident the case will be solved.
The top three overall male and female placers will be given cash prizes according to a statement. There will also be age group awards given out to the top three runners in each age group.
The course starts near Library Mall and will take participants up Observatory Drive. The route back will be along the Howard Temin Lakeshore Path.
Online registration closes September 30. For more information or to register for the event people can visit madisonareacrimestoppers.org.
