Emily Run, the predecessor to the Spirit Run, raised scholarship funds for students at the Orchard School in memory of Emily Kathryn Gilroy. Emily passed away at the age of eleven, leaving behind the legacy of her indomitable spirit. Throughout her young life, she was a positive force, a great friend and a constant source of strength to those around her. Emily always had a shining smile for everyone, celebrating life every moment of her eleven years.
In November 2003, Emily Run transferred to University High School and was renamed Spirit Run. Spirit Run remains a celebration of life and the spirit of young people. Children often display an amazing spirit that serves as an inspiration to their peers, adults and the world. It is in celebration of their courage, vigor, and ability to inspire our hearts and souls that Spirit Run supports two local organizations nurturing young hearts and minds.
During Emily Gilroy's last days at Riley Hospital, 1,000 brightly colored origami paper cranes filled her room as symbols of hope. Inspired by the book Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes, Emily's friends created and hung cranes in her room to express their love for her and their hopes for her recovery. The crane is incorporated into the design of the Spirit Run logo as a symbol of our hopes and dreams for all children as they journey through life.