The Lutzie 43 Foundation is hosting the eleventh annual Road Race 5K run. The Road Race was the first event the foundation hosted after Philip Lutzenkirchen’s passing in 2014. Since the first race, it has become a staple event in the Marietta community and to Auburn and Lutzenkirchen fans across the country. This event will be held at Lassiter High School in East Cobb Philip’s hometown, at Lutzie 43 Field on Saturday, August 2. The race will begin at 8am.
The Lutzie 43 Foundation aims to encourage and empower all drivers to be positive ambassadors for safe driving through character development, mentorship, and real-world application. The Lutzie 43 Foundation was established in loving memory of former Auburn football player Philip Lutzenkirchen, shortly after he lost his life in a car crash in 2014. In his memory, the foundation’s 43 Key Seconds safe driving initiative aims to create the first nationally recognized symbol for distracted, impaired and unsafe driving awareness and prevention.
“The Road Race is special to the Lutzie 43 Foundation and my family as it was one of the first events the foundation hosted shortly after Philip’s passing”, says Mike Lutzenkirchen, father of Philip. The Road Race allows the local community to gather and run in honor of Philip and the legacy he left. Additionally, there is a vir tual runner option that allows supporters and those that knew Philip to participate in the Road Race by running from wherever they reside. The funds raised for this event help support the Lutzie 43 Foundation’s Prepared for Life (PFL) Scholarship program and the 43 Key Seconds safe driving initiative. “We are grateful for the support we have seen over the years from the community and local businesses and hope that this year is our biggest event yet as we celebrate its milestone eleventh anniversary.”
Lassiter High School has memorialized Philip by giving the football field the title “Lutzie 43 Field.” In addition to running the Road Race on-site, runners from across the country have the opportunity to participate in the Road Race. Runners can register as a virtual runner and run from wherever they are. Runners have joined virtually from across the country over the years.
Early bird discounted registration ends July 4 at midnight. All runners will receive an official Road Race t-shirt and on-site runners will be chip timed. Virtual runners should register by July 24 to ensure the Road Race shirt arrives by August 2. All funds from the Road Race benefit the Lutzie 43 Foundation and the mission of ending distracted, impaired, and unsafe driving.
The foundation’s motto is to “Live like Lutz, Love like Lutz, and Learn from Lutz,” reflecting its desire to help others live out the many positive character attributes that Philip displayed while learning from the circum stances that led to his death. For more information, visit lutzie43.org.
