Miguel Reyes 5k Run in Fresno honors memory of man killed in crash

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Some local runners are coming together to honor the memory of their fellow friend by hosting a race.

Running was the main glue in former Fresno resident Miguel Reyes' life. Whenever he could fit in a run, he'd hit the trail or sign up for a race with his friends -- that was until he lost his life.

"Every weekend he was here running with me, now he's not here, so it's difficult," race organizer Jesus Campos said.

Campos was best friends with Reyes and is planning an upcoming race to honor his friend's memory. Back in March, Reyes was on his way to a work site when the truck he was riding in lost control and crashed in Kern County. Reyes left behind his wife and two children.

"He said the last thing he said was he was calling his little girl's name," said Campos.

The loss was hard for Campos and his fellow running friends, as they trained for marathons without him.

"This year it was really hard, just to be there and knowing he's not with me," said Campos.

Now, Campos has found a way to turn his grief into healing. He's hosting the Miguel Reyes 5k Run on Aug. 2 at Woodward Park. In Reyes' honor, $4,000 in prize money will be given out.

Top runners like Fernando Cabada will hit the course, as well as runners from every skill level. The community is also invited to come.

"I'm excited to see some of the fastest runners from the Valley that are going to be here," said Campos. "It should be a good race and good event for the family also."

For Campos, it will also be a day to celebrate the life of a dear friend and runner. It's a legacy he hopes to carry on one step at a time.

The Miguel Reyes 5k Run is Sunday, Aug. 2, at Woodward Park. The fee is $25 to sign up now. For more information on how to sign up, visit https://runsignup.com/race/ca/fresno/miguelreyes5k.