Norristown run held for victim of gunpoint sexual assault at park

Norristown, Pa. (WTXF) - Runners pounded the pavement at Norristown Farm Park this evening for a 19-year-old woman who police say was sexually assaulted by a man with a gun while running two weeks ago.

"This has just evolved into something more than we could ever imagine," said Linda VanOcker. Her group 610 Running Club organized the solidarity run. She says it's personal to her.

"I'm also a rape survivor when I was 17 and I didn't have any resources. I kept it hidden inside me for decades," she said. Running groups from different areas like Phoenixville, Berwyn and South Jersey came out to show support for the victim.

"You look around. This is love. We win. We win," said VanOcker. Ryan Graham with Norristown Running Club said, "I just hope that she sees it and sees that there are a lot of people that support her."

Jessica Jones brought her two daughters 7 and 9 year old Emily and Abby along.

"Myself and my kids we run but this is so empowering tonight to be here with all of these people," she said. The other goal of the run is to help the community take back their park.

"I ran this park for 37 years almost every day and the thought of what happened bring tears to my eyes. We're letting people know that man, woman, anyone, it's not going to happen. We're not going to tolerate that," said Teresa Bullock with BGR Girls.

There's a $10,000 reward for information that will crack and close this case.