Community Organizes Run In Memory Of Slain Princeton Woman

PRINCETON (CBS) -- Runners gathered at the Princeton Town Common Sunday for a 3-mile jog in memory of Vanessa Marcotte, who was found murdered only a week ago.

The 27-year-old was attacked and murdered last Sunday while she was running near her mother's home.

"We want to honor the fact that she had every right to be running on that road at that day at that time," said Kate Narita, the event's organizer. "That is a right that each one of us holds in this community and that is why we're running the route."

Marcotte was an avid runner and this event is one way organizers said community members can show their support for her grieving family.

Police say they have received more than 600 tips in the investigation. No arrests have been made.

"It put a big scare into everybody in town whether it be male or female, and I just thought it was important for us to get together as a group and community to show our support and love and strength for the family and victim and just get back out there," said Sean Doyle, another organizer for the event.

Just up the road from the event, the Heritage Bible Chapel held a prayer night dedicated to Marcotte's family, police, and the community as a whole.

Back at the finish line, one runner summed up the need for healing.

"I typically run on the street, so that's a good thing but I also run on the rail trail, and even that makes us nervous so it's tough, it's been really tough," she said.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karyn Regal reports