Runners to honor Doug Braasch's memory

It figured that Barbara Miller and Doug Braasch met at a race.

Until a few years ago, Braasch, raised in Peoria, Ill., was one of the few people who could keep up with Miller, 70, the Masters Track and Field Hall of Fame runner from Modesto. They were together for 10 years and married for only five months until the morning of Oct. 23, when Doug elected to run alone while Barbara worked out in the pool near their condo overlooking La Loma Park.

Braasch was found, his body motionless after he suffered a massive heart attack, by another runner on the East La Loma Bike Trail near the bridge at Moose Park. The member of three runners clubs died 10 days later, two days short of his 70th birthday, as the running community mourned.

"While he was at the hospital, 30 people at times waited in the court area," Miller said. "Everything we did, we did together. It's been very hard."

Coming up on Sunday morning, the Super Sunday Relay Run -- sponsored by the ShadowChase Running Club -- will be held in Braasch's memory. Each member of a three-person team will run a 2-mile leg, and there will be awards for winners, best costume and best name. A children's half-mile mile also will be staged. Modesto Junior College has registered two teams for the race.

Meanwhile, a rock will be placed at East La Loma Park, not far from Miller's condo, in Braasch's name. The rock will come from friends in Peoria.

"Doug's passing had a huge effect on everyone in our club," Miller said. "We have had a brief session in basic CPR. Several members of our club have made appointments to see their doctor for possible heart problems."

Miller won't be able to take part in the event. She is competing in the National Half-Marathon Championship this weekend at Melbourne Beach, Fla.

"Doug and I both had planned to run there, so I'm honoring that commitment," Miller said. "I'm finding it difficult to practice this week. My heart will be here."

Signups for the Relay Run, which is open to the public, can be made by visiting shadowchase.org. The race will begin at 8:15 a.m.

Bee staff writer Ron Agostini can be reached at ragostini@modbee.com or 578-2302.