Linda Yalem Run takes on new meaning in 18th year

For 17 years, the University at Buffalo has honored the memory of slain student Linda Yalem and promoted personal safety by holding a 5K race on the school's North Campus.

But this year's event, the 18th annual Linda Yalem Safety Run, has a special significance for members of the UB community, with the capture and conviction of the man responsible for raping and killing Ms. Yalem in September 1990 as she trained for the New York City marathon on the Amherst bike path along the northern edge of UB's North Campus.

Altemio C. Sanchez pled guilty to being the "bike path rapist," responsible for murdering three women: Ms. Yalem; Joan Diver, wife of UB faculty member Steven Diver; and MaJane Mazur. Sanchez is now serving a sentence of 75 years to life in the state prison system for the murders.

To honor the Western New York law enforcement agencies instrumental in apprehending Sanchez, the university has named the agencies the honorary starters for the Sept. 30 race. Among those expected to attend are Buffalo Police Commissioner H. McCarthy Gipson, Erie County Sheriff Timothy Howard, University Police Chief Gerald Schoenle and NYS Police Investigator Josh Keats.

Amherst Police Department members to attend are Lt. Sgt. Joe LaCorte and detectives Michael Rose, Ed Monin and Ted Donoto.

With the capture of Sanchez, this year's race is bittersweet for the entire UB community, said Andrea Costantino, director of student life and race director.

"This is a special and emotional year for the race," she said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Linda Yalem and the other victims. A dark cloud has been lifted, and we are especially thankful to the many law enforcement agencies that finally put an end to this mystery."

She added that UB will continue to hold the race to promote personal safety to the running and walking community.

"Years after its founding, the race continues to be a significant event for the UB community," Dennis Black, vice president for student affairs, said. "Years ago, when this race was suggested to me by Nan Harvey and Emily Ward from UB athletics, the outpouring of support for the cause was amazing. That it continues nearly two decades later is a testament to the strength of our community and the strength of the bonds we share as parents, sisters, friends, husbands and partners."

More than 1,000 walkers and runners and more than 600 volunteers are expected to participate in this year's event. The race will begin at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 30 at the Alumni Arena on UB's North Campus.

Registration is $20 for the general public and $15 for UB students. The registration deadline is Sept. 27, and volunteers should sign up by Sept. 21.

For information, visit www.lindayalemrun. buffalo.edu.