Charity 5K held in memory of murdered fitness trainer

It’s been more than six months since Missy Bevers was murdered in a Midlothian church. On Saturday, friends and family came together to continue to honor her memory, and one of her passions in life, with the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club of Waxahachie.

More than 230 runners hit the pavement in honor of the 45-year-old fitness trainer. She was killed in April while setting up for an early-morning class. Though many knew her through the Camp Gladiator Fitness group, her friends say there was much more to her.

“She has a strong passion for kids, mostly the disadvantaged kids and disabled kids. Her background was teaching,” said Camp Gladiator and 5K organizer Renee Jones.

An avid volunteer for everything from Charity 5Ks, to the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club, to Special Olympics and mud runs; Missy Bevers dedicated herself to it all.

The day brought back memories for many who worked out and volunteered alongside her. The sheer number of people who came out to support her memory, but also her cause, was a sign of just how many lives she touched.

“Everyone was really very fond of her because she was a really easy going person who just had a calling for people and went out of her way to help people,” said her friend, Sam Roberts.

Each runner crossing through the finish line helped raise money for kids in honor of Bevers.

“It gives us an opportunity to say hey, this is a passion Missy had, this is something she did, we're just going to carry it on going forward and make sure she continues to be honored, and to make her and her family proud,” said Jones.

The money raised will go to scholarships to send kids to the local Boys and Girls Club.

There is now a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in her case.