Travelers on Ga. Highway 138 now have a momento to remember the life and name of Aubrae Gunderson, a student at Heritage High School who was struck by a car September 26, 2005 while training with the cross country team. The section of the road from Grenade Road at Heritage High School to Ga. Highway 212 is now named the Aubrae Gunderson Memorial Highway.

This past legislative session, Congressman-elect Austin Scott worked to have the section of Ga. Highway 138 named for Aubrae, even though the area is not in his district. Scott said “the character of not only a student of Aubrae’s stature be treasured, but her family’s courage should be recognized and honored as well.”

Aubrae's memory lives on in other ways too. The Aubrae Gunderson Memorial Scholarship Fund is a non-profit organization committed to assist student athletes continue a standard established by the spirit of Aubrae. Every Saturday after Thanksgiving since 2005 many active people come together to have fun, fellowship and celebrate the life of Aubrae Gunderson and to raise money for the fund.

This year's race will start and finish at Heritage High School. The route was designed to encompass surrounding neighborhoods and travel past the accident site as a remembrance. Organizers are expecting between 500 and 600 participants. 

The one mile fun run begins at 8:45 a.m. with the 5k Walk/Run following at 9 a.m. This will be the third year for the running of the High Heel Hustle at 10:30 a.m. There will be a Cinderella fitting for those who want to join the Hustle but are short on heels, starting at 10 a.m.

The cost for the race is $15 those pre-registered by Nov.20. Registration is also available on line at Aubraegunderson.com and is open until Nov. 22. Race day registration is $20 and opens at 7:30 a.m. The long sleeve collectors’ shirts associated with the event are guaranteed to all those who are pre registered. If  you are not able to attend there is “phantom runner” category that will still allow you to receive a shirt.

"It’s a great way to spend Thanksgiving break and remember and honor Aubrae,” said Heritage cross country coach Brian Smith.  "The event is fun for the whole family"

For more information about Aubrae, the race, or scholarship fund visit aubraegunderson.com or contact Dan Gunderson at 770-853-7533.