On Saturday, April 21, Elizabeth “Liz” Duncan, Brooks Sports Customer Service Representative, was hit by a car in Seattle and died at the scene. That morning, Liz was out for a daily training run and stood at an intersection waiting for the rest of her running group to arrive. Without warning, an out-of-control car jumped the curb, struck Liz and killed her instantly.
Brooks said that during her time at Brooks, Liz elevated teamwork, spirit, energy and confidence within her department and beyond. A consummate shining light for all that is good and inspirational in the world, she brightened the days of every employee, account and partner she came in contact with.
Duncan is survived by her family, including her parents and two brothers from Washingtons Tri-Cities area. She was to celebrate her 27th birthday today, April 24.
Brooks said, “Many friends, family, co-workers and industry partners have expressed interest in honoring Liz by donating to a cause on her behalf. One organization near and dear to Lizs heart is Athletes in Action (AIA), a ministry dedicated to building relationships, character and hope through sport. Liz undoubtedly impacted the lives of many through AIA, and we believe her spirit and compassion can and should live on. As such, the Liz Duncan Memorial Scholarship Fund was established today.”
Liz Duncan Memorial Scholarship Fund resources will be presented to student athletes who best exemplify character, faith and passion characteristics demonstrated by Liz on a daily basis. More specifically, the scholarships will enable college athletes to attend AIA summer mission trips.
“Liz is such a treasure,” said former roommate and fellow AIA participant Megan Soderberg. “It breaks my heart to know she is no longer with us, but it overwhelms me with joy thinking about how excited Liz would be to help student athletes attend these camps.”
While details on how one can apply for the Fund are forthcoming from AIA, Brooks Sports has established a Wells Fargo bank account to help make individual donations to the Fund possible. Checks* can be made out to the “Liz Duncan Memorial Fund” and mailed to the address below:
Liz Duncan Memorial Fund
c/o Brooks Sports, Inc.
19910 North Creek Parkway, Suite 200
Bothell, WA 98011-8215
In addition to establishing this Fund, Brooks is also honoring Liz by dedicating a future running shoe in her honor. The Defyance, a new shoe available in early 2008, will carry her initials. Additionally, Brooks is creating commemorative shirts featuring a photo of Liz that people can wear to the races Liz registered for and planned to run throughout the coming year.
Brooks recently produced a series of catchy bumper stickers to hand out at running events. The one Liz chose to place on her monitor at Brooks says, “Lifes Short. Run Long.”
Please join us in celebrating Lizs life, which gave the world so much lasting joy. Her legacy will live on through all of us.
* Checks and cashier's checks only, please.
