Through social media websites and word of mouth, runners in the region are gathering support for a special tribute to Sherry Arnold, a Sidney, Mont., teacher who was kidnapped and murdered while out on a run last month.

In the Fargo-Moorhead area, runners are gathering at Sandy’s Donuts, 100 Sheyenne St. in West Fargo, for a group run starting at 6:30 a.m. Feb. 11. Don’t be surprised if 80-100 runners show up for this run, which coincides with a group training for the half and full marathons in Fargo this spring.

Runners everywhere are encouraged to read about Sherry and participate in their own “virtual run” after printing out a bib here. A Facebook page also has been set up for the effort.

My hope is I’ll be back on the roads and running by then, where I can have a chance to think about how Sherry impacted the lives of her family, friends and students. I didn’t know her, but I know someone who did, and I’m always inspired by people who have such a positive impact on others.

Currently, I’m struggling to heal from what appears to be a pretty nasty ankle sprain in my last trail race. While I’ve seen some progress, I don’t know yet when I will be able to run again – right now I’m struggling to simply walk. Either way, my thoughts are with Sherry’s family, friends and those who are willing to run to honor her.