Lance Sotelo, an avid runner tragically killed in a January hit-and-run, will have his silhouette emblazoned on every single runner’s bib for this Saturday’s Charlotte Marathon races. It’s a powerful tribute to a man who lived and breathed running, and it’s hitting hard for those who loved him.
The Runner, The Tragedy, The Devotion
Sotelo wasn’t just any runner; he was seriously dedicated to the sport. He competed in the Charlotte Marathon last year, clocking an impressive fifth-place finish in his very first marathon. That’s insane, right? His partner, James Holt, told Channel 9 reporter Evan Donovan that running was a non-negotiable part of Sotelo’s daily routine. “Every day, a daily occurrence,” Holt said. “I’ve got to get in a run. I got to get in a run, no matter what, every day.” That’s the kind of passion we all wish we had for something.
Tragically, Sotelo’s life was cut short in January when he was killed in a hit-and-run crash in the NoDa neighborhood. Holt opened up about the devastating impact, admitting, “January 14th was one of the worst days of my life,” and that the past ten months have been tougher than he could have imagined. He’s holding onto all those “laughs and memories that you have with somebody you love.” It just tears you up thinking about it.
A Silhouette On Every Bib, A Memory In Every Heart
Marathon organizers announced this incredible gesture on social media, letting everyone know Sotelo’s silhouette would be on each bib. Holt’s reaction? Pure emotion. “Wow, that was so cool,” he said. You can hear the gratitude and the love in his words. “And you know, he’s going to be a part of everyone that’s running out there, so that’s going to be really special.” This isn’t just a symbol; it’s a way to keep Lance’s spirit in the race.
Holt himself will be running the 5K this weekend, a direct tribute to Sotelo’s memory and his fierce dedication to hitting the pavement. To have the organizers honor his partner this way is just immense. “To have him honored as part of it is just unbelievable,” Holt added. “I just can’t thank them enough.” It’s truly special, and you can tell it means the world to him.
The Race, The Broadcast, The Memory
As for the legal side of things, the driver, Q’Laundra Hood, was sentenced in September to 30 days in jail and ordered to pay restitution to Sotelo’s family. Justice, in some form, has been served.
This Saturday, as thousands hit the pavement for the Charlotte Marathon, they won’t just be running their own race, they’ll be carrying Lance Sotelo’s memory with every single step. Make sure to catch Channel 9’s special broadcast of race highlights and runner stories this Sunday at noon. It’s going to be an emotional and powerful day, for sure.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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