Lisa Napoletano was a freshman at Marian High School last March when she was involved in an ATV accident and passed away from her injuries a month later.

Lisa was born on May 5 in 2005. She had aspired to become a lawyer and “did her best” at everything she tried, according to her mother, Melissa Napoletano. Her daughter spent her summers traveling to different summer running camps and her winters on the snowboarding slopes.

At Marian, Lisa was a member of the cross country and track teams and in the seventh and eighth grade, she was a member of the same teams at Jim Thorpe. To honor Lisa and to pay tribute to her vitality for life, her family has decided to help other track and cross country athletes by establishing a non-profit business titled, “Running with Angels.”

The program awards Jim Thorpe and Marian students with scholarship funds as well as payments for YMCA Distance Running Camp admissions.

“Running with the Angels” also sponsors a 5k race and gives scholarship funds to members of the cross country teams, the track teams or a student who is active in snowboarding and displays strong team spirit and values academic success,” said Melissa, who was extremely pleased with the participatory sign ups and the subsequent race events from 2021.

“Last year was our first race for Lisa. It’s something we plan on continuing on an annual basis,” she said. “The support from the community and friends was amazing. We are turning our tragic loss into something that can help others who enjoy the same things Lisa did.

“This helps bring some light back and keeps her alive in our hearts.”

Those hearts include Lisa’s stepfather, Eric Copelton, and Lisa’s sisters, Maria and Gabriella. Together, they decided to pay tribute to Lisa by offering awards to athletes from the sports she had loved.

“Her true calling,” said Melissa, “was running track and cross country.”

This year’s race will be held on Saturday, May 14 - the same month of Lisa’s birthday.

Runners will begin and end on the D&L Trail starting south out of the Jim Thorpe Train Station parking lot. The trail will be clearly marked as to where all the turns will be. There will be a rolling start, meaning that runners can begin their run as soon as they arrive.

Awards will be presented in several divisions: men’s, women’s, Master’s men/women (over 40), and age groups at 10 year intervals. Runners can also participate in the Youth One Mile Race, the Adult One Mile Fun Run,as well as a Virtual 5K Race.

The 2021 race winners in the 5k were seniors, Lydia Wallace and Chris Strika from Jim Thorpe High School. Jamison Wheeler won the prize from Marian. Each received a $500 scholarship award. These awards are presented at their respective high school graduations.

During the winter months, “Running with Angels” offers clinics and when the weather outside is inclement, they are held indoors at the Zoo Health Club located in Lehighton. The clinics emphasize running skills as well as the importance of hydration and nutrition.

Various sponsors have contributed to the event including Remax Real Estate, the Zoo Health Club, Razzle Dazzle Graphic Designs, YMCA Camp Mason, Acorn Academy of Albrightsville, Honest Trav’s Virtual Dive Bar, Catden North, Duggan and Marcon Inc., Rappa Law Offices, Cutting Edge Barber Shop, and Boncher Benefits.

“All of our proceeds go into scholarship awards and running camp tuitions,” said Melissa. “We are proud to help deserving students in honor of our daughter.”

Those interested in participating in th “Running with the Angels” race can access further information at lisanapoletanorunningwiththeangel.com.