Although former Auburn player Philip Lutzenkirchen passed away six years ago, his memory continues to live on through the Lutzie 43 Foundation. The nonprofit organization will host its first all-virtual road race on Saturday, Aug. 1.
This will be the sixth annual Road Race and is presented by Jim Ellis Kia in Kennesaw, Georgia. The 5K race is normally held at the Lassiter High School football stadium, Lutzie Field, in Marietta where Philip graduated. However this year's race will be virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and can run wherever they are across the country.
Photo courtesy of Lutzie 43 Foundation on Flickr.
Lutzie Field at Lassiter High School in Marietta, GA
“The first year, we had 700 runners and it just kept growing,” said Philip’s father Mike Lutzenkirchen. “Last year, we had close to 1,000 runners at Lassiter and 300+ runners ran virtually. We have a great virtual following.”
All funds raised go towards the The Lutzie 43 Foundation, a nonprofit organization with a mission to end distracted and impaired driving. It was established in memory of Philip shortly after he died as a passenger in a car accident in 2014. Initiatives include funding the PFL Scholarship program and the 43 Key Seconds initiative. This year’s goal is to raise $43,000.
“Money raised goes to help us fund elementary adapted PE days, where we give back to kids with special needs,” Mike Lutzenkirchen said. “It also helps fund our 4300 PFL (Prepared For Life scholarship program. We are honored, thrilled and humbled to have given out 15 scholarship winners the first week of May.”
Race participants are encouraged to wear their race-day t-shirt and post photos using the Lutzie 43 face filter on Instagram and share on social media using the hashtag #LutzieRoadRace.
Those who register before midnight July 15 get the early bird discount ($30 adults and $21 ages 22 and under). The price increases to $43 adults and $30 ages 22 and under. Those who register by July 26 are guaranteed a race shirt in time for the run.
Tax deductible donations can also be made on the race registration page at lutzie43.org.
