More than 200 runners dressed in red for a memorial 5km run held in tribute to Henry Nowak.
The event brought people together in Chafford Hundred, Essex, on Saturday, with runners from all faiths, communities and backgrounds setting off from All Saints Church.
The memorial run was organised by Mary McLoughlin of Chafford Hundred Running Club, with support from Sylvia Merrigan, who felt moved to take action following the teenager’s death.
Ms McLoughlin, 65, said the local running club had been “deeply affected” by what happened to Henry.
“He was a lovable boy,” she said.
Henry was murdered while walking home after a night out in Southampton on December 3.
His attacker, Vickrum Digwa, stabbed him with a Sikh ceremonial blade and was handed a life sentence earlier this month, with a minimum term of 21 years in prison.
The case drew national attention following the release of harrowing police bodycam footage.
It also sparked wider debate around two-tier policing, with critics arguing Henry Nowak’s death might have been prevented had officers not been following DEI guidelines that they claim encouraged differential treatment based on race.
Ms McLoughlin said she wanted to show solidarity with the grieving family and hoped the memorial run would offer the Essex-based Nowaks some comfort after weeks of intense media attention.
“I thought it would be a lovely way to support the family and show them they are in our thoughts and prayers,” she said.
The organiser also highlighted the efforts of volunteers, saying she “had a lot of help” putting the event together.
She gave particular credit to Ms Merrigan for helping unite the community for the run.
Morrisons, where Henry had previously worked, provided water and snacks for participants.
Members of the local Sikh community also attended, offering refreshments including naans and onion bhajis.
All Saints Church opened its facilities to runners, providing toast, tea, coffee and hot chocolate, as well as access to toilets.
Ms McLoughlin described the atmosphere as both “wonderful” and “deeply moving”.
“People were glad to be there to show their support for the family, and I think the family were grateful to see that support,” she said.
Henry’s mother, Lucy Ross, spoke to attendees before the run began, telling the crowd: “It’s days like this that help the family keep going.”
Jen Craft, MP for Thurrock, also took part in the run and praised the community spirit on display.
“It was really lovely — it showed Thurrock at its best,” she said. “It was such a warm event, and you could really see the best of our community.”
Many of Henry’s former school friends also attended, sharing memories of the teenager throughout the day.
The event raised more than £600 for 2wish, a charity that supports families affected by the sudden death of young people.
