Amelia was a three-time University of Kentucky graduate. She earned her bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences in 2003, her master’s degree in community and leadership development in 2006, and her doctorate in higher education administration in 2011. While at UK, Amelia was the university ambassador coordinator, a student senator, a vice president of Delta Gamma sorority, and the 2003 homecoming queen. In 2010, Amelia married her best-friend and sole-mate, Allen O. Wilson. She was the 2011 recipient of UK’s Joseph T. Burch Young Alumni Award and a 2021 recipient of UK’s Distinguished Service Award. Amelia served as director of agritourism at the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.
Amelia was diagnosed with liver disease at age 19. She received a lifesaving liver transplant in 2005 while a student at the University of Kentucky. Amelia and her family are eternally grateful to her liver donor, John Cody Conley, who was a 13-year-old boy from West Virginia who loved the outdoors and died while riding an all-terrain vehicle.
Amelia was a field representative for U.S. Congressman James Comer and passed away
on June 25, 2021 following a lengthy battle with post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder
(PTLD), which is a cancer faced only by organ transplant recipients.
Amelia resided in Grand Rivers, Kentucky with her husband Allen both took a very active role in the Grand Rivers Chamber of Commerce, Tourism, and the Community as a whole. Amelia always greeted everyone with a smile and acceptance; her peace, love, and light filled the soles of every person who had the opportunity to meet her and she made a difference in the lives of many. Amelia’s brilliance, compassion, and light live on through her husband who continues to light the community and world around him.
Amelia’s gentle spirit, life struggles, advocacy, and support for the Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates inspired the redevelopment of the Fall Grand Rivers LBL run to the “Amelia’s Run” to increase awareness of organ donation, fund-raise for the Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates, and to honor our friend.
Description
Amelia’s Run (formerly known as The Amelia B Wilson LBL Run) for 2023 will feature a 10km, 5km, and Kid’s Run. It remains under the direction of Durbin Race Management, and is hosted by the incredible volunteers from the Grand Rivers area; most of whom knew and loved Amelia Wilson.
The race is in honor of a spectacular woman, Amelia Brown Wilson, who was taken way too soon. She was a staple of the Grand Rivers community. The race is being used as a fundraiser for an organization she believed in and worked so hard for; the Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates (KODA). Amelia was an organ recipient early in life and unfortunately lost her life due to complications later in life (but way too soon at 39 years old). Please see more in the next sections.
Fall running at Land Between the Lakes and Grand Rivers KY is stunningly beautiful. This year’s race will feature the same 10km course, a new 5km course, and a Kid’s Fun Run!! The Kid’s race will be between 1km and 1 mile in length.
If you can’t attend in person, you can still show your support by participating virtually! Choose the virtual option when registering, submit your results, and we’ll send your finisher’s award and shirt to you.
Schedule of Events Race Day
Saturday, October 21. (all times are Central Daylight Time)
Parking: There is parking in the lot next to the Community Center/Across from the Tourism Office. Additional parking in the park a block from the start. Volunteers will be on hand to assist you.
Packet pick up: 06:30 – 07:45 at Grand Rivers Tourism Office, 1858 JH O’Bryan, Grand Rivers 42045
Day of Race Registration is available: Cash only. Add $10 to the regular registration rates. If we run out of shirts, we’ll have to mail it to you.
Rest rooms: Are open in the kiosks in front of the Badgett Playhouse (next to the Tourism Office). Portable toilets are available
Races Start: 08:00 in front of the GR Tourism Office. Race will start on time. Please don’t rush in at the last second.
Kid’s Run Start: 09:30 in front of GR Tourism Office. NOTE: We will have entertainment for kids, if you wish to run your race, and then run with your kid.
AWARDS: Are given as you cross the finish line. All finishers receive a medal. Top 5 m/f in 10K and 5K receive a plaque.
Races End: 11 AM.
After race food served from 09:30 – 11:00 near the finish line.
CLICK HERE for more information on the event.