Unity alumna remembered; Savannah Day Memorial Race this Friday
Celebrate Savannah Day’s legacy with a 2.96-mile walk/run Friday in Sidney. All proceeds go to a girls’ athletics scholarship.
SIDNEY - The memory of Savannah Day will be honored this Friday evening as runners and walkers gather for the annual Savannah Day 2.96 Memorial Run/Walk. The race, which steps off at 7 p.m. on July 25, 2025, serves as both a tribute and a fundraiser, celebrating the life and passion of a young woman whose dedication to athletics and community continues to inspire.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Savannah Day heads to the finish line at the 2016 IHSA Girls Cross Country State Finals, helping the Rockets to a second-place finish. Friday's race in Sidney will celebrate her legacy and help raise funds for the Savannah Day Girls Athletic Scholarship.
Savannah Day, an 18-year-old college freshman studying kinesiology, tragically lost her life in a car-train collision on October 3, 2018. The accident occurred just south of St. Joseph as she returned home from cross-country practice at Danville Area Community College. Her death sent shockwaves through the community and the broader running world, particularly among those who knew her from her standout high school career.
Day was a key contributor to Unity High School’s cross-country and track programs, helping lead the Rockets to IHSA Class 1A cross-country state titles in both 2015 and 2017. Known for her bright spirit, kind heart, and boundless energy, Savannah’s impact extended well beyond the course. "It's a sad day for our school, our community and everyone who was fortunate to know Savannah and her smile," said former Unity Athletic Director Scott Hamilton told The News-Gazette following her passing.
The memorial event was created to honor her legacy and raise funds for the Savannah Day Girls Athletic Scholarship. All proceeds from the race directly support the scholarship, which benefits local female athletes pursuing their academic and athletic goals — just as Savannah did.
Same-day registration will be available at the event site beginning at 5:30 p.m. There is no additional fee for registering late. While pre-registration officially closed on July 16, participants may still sign up by emailing their form to savannahday2.96@gmail.com and submitting the $25 fee via Venmo. Forms can also be downloaded and mailed to the race address with payment.
Support for the memorial run continues to grow, with this year’s event made possible by generous sponsorships from the Town of Sidney, InsureChampaign, Sidney Fire Department, Spring Green of St. Joseph, The Sidney Saloon, Center For Your Health in Philo, Don’s Auto Center in Homer, Castle Home Comfort Heating & Air of Champaign, The Artega Insurance Group - Country Financial, IGA in St. Joseph, Winstons Old Bank in Sidney, and Sidney Dairy Barn.
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Savannah Day Memorial Run 2025 registration details,Unity High School cross-country alumna tribute, Girls athletic scholarship race in Sidney Illinois, Charity 5K walk honoring Savannah Day, East Central Illinois community memorial events
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