March 18, 2026 — Nearly 500 runners recently gathered at Harrison High School for the second annual Olivia Kate’s Path 5K (OKP 5K), honoring the life and legacy of Olivia Kate Pugh. The much-loved Harrison senior lost her life way too soon in late 2023. The OKP 5K is a way to remember and honor her. The event also raises funds for a scholarship in her name.
"We picked February for the 5K because February 14th is Olivia's birthday. She would have turned 20 on Valentine's Day," said Tara Pugh, Olivia's mom, in her introductory comments to the nearly 500 runners. "I can hear her telling me she would no longer be a teenager, and I have no doubt plans for her 21st birthday would be well underway."
"She was so kind and loving, strong and determined, smart and funny, and the hardest worker. All of that hard work paid off with all the college acceptances and scholarships she received, most of which she never got to see," Mrs. Pugh said emotionally.
The OKP 5K begins and ends on the track at Harrison High School, a fitting tribute. The campus is something of a second home for the Pughs.
"We spent a lot of time here, between track meets for Olivia and soccer games for Alex in the spring. Across the street for softball in the fall, and then one day she told us she was going to play flag football. She never even picked up a football, and next thing we knew, we were back in the stadium for flag football games," Mrs. Pugh said with a smile.
Olivia's favorite Bible verse was Psalms 28:7. She had it hanging on her bedroom wall, and it seemed most appropriate for memorializing her: The Olivia Kate Pugh Strength and Shield Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded each year to Harrison seniors who, like Olivia, work hard and show deliberate acts of kindness.
Olivia was known for her smile and selflessness. She was always kind and enjoyed the small things in life: time with friends, walks on the beach, sunsets, and family game nights. Her desire to help others stretched far beyond her own life.
"When she got her driver's license, she chose to be an organ donor. That decision helped save the lives of four women. Olivia was the most beautiful person down in her soul, and I couldn't be more proud of her," Mrs. Pugh said to applause.
The wide variety of participants in this year's 5K would have made Olivia smile: young and old, runners and walkers, babies in strollers, dogs on leashes, and many more. It brought together students, teachers, parents, grandparents, and neighbors. It was a true community event supporting a meaningful cause.
Carter Holmgren, 17, was the overall male winner, and Palak Shah, 14, was the overall female winner.
"It was a fantastic day from start to finish," Mrs. Pugh said as the event concluded. "The 5K brought the community together to support the Olivia Pugh Strength and Shield Scholarship, which means so much to us. The weather was perfect, and our volunteers were great. We are especially grateful for our sponsors who helped make the 5K possible, and to all the participants who came to remember and honor our daughter. I promise Olivia every day that she will never be forgotten, and everyone here today is helping me keep that promise."
