Four years ago, the Zimmermann family experienced a tragedy when they lost their daughter, Brittany, a University of Wisconsin-Madison student, in a horrific and still unsolved murder.
According to event treasurer Beverly Otis, approximately 280 runners participated Saturday in the annual 5K “Brittany Run,” which was hosted by the Zimmermann family.
Although the goal of the race is to increase crime awareness, the money raised from the participation fee supports a private volunteer organization called Madison Area Crime Stoppers, which uses funds to pay for tips that aid police investigations.
Soon after Brittany’s death, the group approached her parents, Jean and Kevin Zimmermann, about partnering to raise crime awareness.
“[Madison Area Crime Stoppers’ work] is truly unbelievable,” Jean said. “We were absolutely blown away.”
Brittany’s father Kevin said the annual run aims to draw the community’s attention toward crime in Madison.
UW-Madison senior Dani Fischer, who placed first in the female division, said she wanted to participate in the event because Brittany was murdered during her freshman year.
Fischer also said the event holds an even greater significance because it is her final year as a Badger.
“The energy is amazing,” Fischer said. “Everyone feels like part of the Zimmermann family.”
UW-Madison freshman and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Air Force member Ben Felhofer finished first place in his age group.
“Crime is always an important issue,” Felhofer said. “It affected the Zimmermann family deeply.”
University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department officer and Crime Stoppers liaison Erik Pearce said he hopes the continuing event will bring in information about Brittany’s murder.
“Brittany’s legacy will not be as a victim but as a crime stopper,” Pearce said.
District Attorney Ismael Ozanne, who congratulated racers at the finish line along with Brittany’s parents, said there must be individuals who know something about Brittany’s death.
“Crime doesn’t happen in a vacuum,” Ozanne said.
Kevin said people need to take notice of crime and suspicious behavior because reporting incidents may end up saving a life.
“We can’t change the past, but we can help prevent similar crimes from happening in the future,” Kevin said.
