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VA Runner Killed By Alleged Drunk Driver While Training For Boston Marathon

BOSTON (CBS) -- A Virginia woman training for the Boston Marathon, was struck and killed by an alleged drunk driver near her home, Monday morning.

Meg Menzies, 34, of Hanover County, was an avid runner, the mother of three young children and wife to a police sergeant dedicated to curbing drunk and distracted driving. A training partner said on Facebook, Menzies was on a 13-mile run when she was killed.

Dr. Michael Carlson
Dr. Michael Carlson. (Hanover County, VA/Sheriff's Office)

Dr. Michael Carlson is charged with involuntary manslaughter and driving while under the influence of alcohol in connection with Menzies' death. He was ordered held on $25,000 bail and must wear an alcohol monitoring bracelet, according to CBS affiliate WTVR in Central Virginia.

Now, the running community nationwide is organizing to remember her.

"Meg's Miles," a Facebook page set up in Menzies' honor, is urging runners of any ability to get outside and run on Saturday, to raise awareness of drunk and distracted driving.

"As an avid runner, member of the Richmond Road Runners Club, and Boston marathoner, she was a member of the running family nationwide. In her honor, our hope is to raise awareness of drunk driving, texting and driving, and overall safety of runners and cyclists everywhere," a message on the Meg's Miles Facebook page read.

Runners are encouraged to post photos from their run, their distance and thoughts and use the hashtag #Megsmiles."

So far, more than 56,000 people have said they will run for Meg on Saturday.

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