LAURIUM - Amy Roberts is an avid runner, and while running on Sharon Avenue in Houghton Dec. 15, she was struck by a car, so a benefit run/walk Saturday will raise funds to help her cover expenses related to her recovery.
Roberts was running on Sharon Avenue before the sun came up when she was struck by a car driven by an 80-year-old male from Houghton. She is in critical condition at Marquette General Health System.
Roberts works as a physical therapist assistant for Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital Fitness and Rehabilitation in the Houghton office, and Crystal Holzberger, rehabilitation operations manager, said Roberts has worked for the organization for about 12 years.
"She started working here in 1999 at Laurium," she said.
Holzberger said the 5-kilometer benefit run/walk is called Run Like the Finn, in recognition of Roberts' Finnish heritage.
"Her maiden name is Talvensaari," she said.
Holzberger said Roberts probably started running in high school, so it's an important part of her life.
"She's been running for years," Holzberger said.
The idea for the benefit run/walk came from Roberts' coworkers and a group she runs with, Holzberger said.
"We just kind of spearheaded it," she said.
Registration for the benefit run/walk is only at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Aspirus Keweenaw Fitness Center at 342 Hecla St. in Laurium, Holzberger said. The cost is $15 minimum donation per runner. The course will have people guiding the runners.
"It's going to be on the back streets of Laurium," she said.
Dave Olsson, director of strategic marketing and growth at Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital, said they and Portage Health in Hancock are sponsoring the purchase of reflective vests to be given to race participants.
"Our goal is to encourage and support safe outdoor exercise and running," he said. "While the accident with Amy is tragic and unfortunate, we encourage the spirit of outdoor activity, including winter running, continue and be done in the safest way."
Holzberger said refreshments will be available during the race, and after a raffle and silent auction will take place across Hecla Street from the fitness center at the Irish Times Restaurant.
"We have tons of raffle prizes," she said.
Holzberger said a benefit fund has been set up at the Michigan Tech Employees Federal Credit Union. Checks should be made out to the Amy Roberts Benefit Fund.
Holzberger said the benefit run/walk will take place even if the weather is less than ideal.
"We're having it no matter what," she said. "(Amy) runs no matter what."