To us, Lara was a gem and there are no words that can describe how much we miss this energetic, loving, giving and caring beautiful young woman. Lara literally brought sunshine into the room with her and that energy was contagious. She had a place in her heart for everyone. Everyday with her was a blessing.

On Friday, September 16, 2005, the world lost an angel. Lara Michelle Rutan was only 25 when her life was cut short by a drunk driver.

As the tenth anniversary of her passing approaches, friends and family members have decided to join together to pay tribute to her legacy and honor Lara by running various marathons and half marathons all over the country. Over the course of 10 weeks, 11 different races in 7 states for a total of 296 miles, will be run in Lara's name.   

Through participating in these running events, this team of runners is also dedicated to raising money for The Lara Rutan Endowed Scholarship at Wayne State University, which her parents, Rick and Judy Rutan have awarded to members of the Physicians Assistant Studies program each year since 2009. Lara had recently graduated from this program.

We ask that you join us in honoring the legacy of our beautiful angel, Lara, by donating to this fund. The impact Lara had on all of our lives was so great that it is impossible to put into words. Helping better the future of a student is the least we can do in her name. 

Please look through our website to learn more about Lara, the scholarship, the runners and what Lara meant to each of them.