MEDINA, Ohio — Six days after 22-year-old Taylor Ceepo collapsed and died while competing in the Cleveland Marathon, her memory will be honored by more than 1,000 runners during another race.
Participants in the Medina Half Marathon and 5K will wear maroon and green ribbons in honor of Ceepo, who was from Medina. There will also be a moment of silence just before the 13.1 mile run starts Saturday morning.
Green represents Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary where Ceepo attended high school. Maroon signifies Walsh University. Ceepo was a recent graduate of Walsh where she excelled as a member of the soccer team.
"Take a moment and remember Taylor and run in her honor and keep her close to your hearts," said Beth Bugner, race director for the Medina Half Marathon. "Enjoy the run. Enjoy it for Taylor. Offer your miles up to Taylor and just take it for what it is tomorrow."
A preliminary investigation by the Cuyahoga Medical Examiner's Office showed no definitive cause of death for Ceepo who collapsed within a quarter-mile of the half marathon race. She was transported to University Hospital Cleveland Medical Center where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner Dr. Thomas Gilson said it may take weeks to establish a cause of death pending more testing and a review of Ceepo's medical history.
University Hospital officials told News 5 that 60 to 70 racers were treated on site for heat illnesses, dehydration, muscle strain and other injuries.
Temperatures were above average for the Cleveland Marathon and many of the runners mentioned the hot conditions after the race.
Even warmer temperatures are expected for the Medina Half Marathon which starts at 6:45 a.m. Saturday.
Dr. Robert Crawford, an orthopedic and sports medicine physician for Summa Health, stressed runners need to stay hydrated before and during the race and should watch for possible warning signs of heat cramps or exhaustion.
"If they're getting nauseated, if they're getting dizzy or light-headed," Crawford said. "The only problem is some of those can be late signs, so when you see those, absolutely you want to take a step back, slow your pace down, stop at the aid station, even have them check and see how things are going for you."
Crawford, who is serving at Medical Race Director, said at least 15 doctors and several paramedics will be stationed along the course.
Ceepo's funeral took place Friday at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Akron.
The family requested that any donations be made to the Children's Miracle Network through Akron Children's Hospital.
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