Running with reason: Marquette University keeps James Foley's legacy alive with 5K run

MILWAUKEE -- It's a virtual race around the world to honor Marquette graduate James Foley. Saturday, October 17th Marquette University took part in the first ever Foley Foundation 5K Run.

The official race is taking place in Rochester, New Hampshire -- but people all across the country were encouraged to join the effort.

Marquette University's president says Foley's legacy at Marquette will be felt for a long time.

"It's great if you take a look, look at the turnout of the people that are here from the campus community on a Saturday morning. You know, to really honor him and what he stands for and I just couldn't be prouder to be the president of the university and to have a community like this," said Marquette University President, Michael Lovell.

Last August, Foley was executed by the Islamic State militants in Syria after two years in captivity. Foley was working there as a journalist.

The James Foley Legacy Foundation was started by his parents as a way to carry on his legacy.