I hope the Race gods are listening

Erin Ezell Krielow Lahr.

When you ask people if they know who she is, most say “No.”

When you add: “the woman who died three miles from the finish line at the 2008 White Rock Marathon” — then most people make a connection and a conversation begins.

The 29-year-old Austin woman’s death was the second in the 39-year running of the marathon. Her death was a shock not only to her family and friends, but to her co-workers and marathoners and triathletes who she trained with in Austin, and to the running community in general. They all asked how a vibrant and healthy young woman could collapse unexpectedly. Even after a year, her official cause of death, cardiac arrhythmia of unknown origin, continues to prompt questions.

“If there was anyone who was a picture of health, it was Erin,” her husband, Jeff would say many months later. “She ate right. She exercised. This was not supposed to happen to her.”

But it was just past mile marker 23 on Dec. 14, 2008, at the crossroad of Washington and Swiss avenues, where, not unlike a marathon, a reflection of Erin’s life as it passed by would reveal the energetic young woman’s euphoria, heartache, short-term goals accomplished, uphill battles, twists and turns, downhill stretches, hope to face the next challenge, and the smiling faces of family, friends and strangers offering encouragement and prayers along the way. And, in her final moments, comfort.

Read Erin’s story

Remember Erin Krielow Lahr

Recent Comments

  • Posted by Gwen Tabor

    Ms. Karen, I meant you at the Compassionate Friends Meeting 1/17/11. I have just viewed your daughters story and it was so powerful I could see her a[...] Read more

  • Posted by Mary Cahill

    What a beautiful story. Surely the power of God was present on that day to have all those wonderful people in place at that time. What a blessed pas[...] Read more

  • Posted by Richard Pruitt

    Journalism at its best. What a beautiful story. Read more

  • Posted by Richard Pruitt

    What a beautiful story. It takes a true journalist to tell such a story. Read more

  • Posted by Karen K

    Thanks to all who worked on this website to honor my daughter. Read more

  • Posted by Melanie Douet

    Ms.Karen,this is so beautiful to honor Erin this way,its a very touching tribute.My prayers are with you and your family. Read more