178 Strong And Counting For Molly's Miles 2025

As we reflect on the incredible support we’ve received during our “20 Years of Honor: $20 Each with a Friend” promotion, we are overwhelmed with gratitude. Thanks to our amazing community, 178 people have already registered for Molly’s Miles 2025! Each of those 178 registrants is doing more than just signing up for a race—they’re stepping forward to Remember the Fallen and Honor the Survivors. Together, we’re making a lasting impact for the families of Missouri’s fallen law enforcement officers.

Molly Bowden’s story is one of courage, dedication, and sacrifice. On the night of January 10, 2005, Officer Molly Thomas Bowden was conducting a routine traffic stop in Columbia, Missouri. It was around 10 p.m. when she pulled over a vehicle at the corner of Nifong and Forum Boulevards. What should have been a typical night on duty turned into a tragedy that would forever change the community. The driver, a 23-year-old student, shot Officer Bowden three times before speeding off.

Despite the swift efforts of law enforcement to track him down, the night grew darker when another officer, Curtis Brown, was shot while pursuing the suspect. Officer Brown survived and was later honored with the Ribbon of Valor, but Molly Bowden, at just 26 years old, would not recover from her injuries. After a month-long fight for her life in a drug-induced coma, she passed away on February 10, 2005—making her the first Columbia police officer to be killed in the line of duty.

Molly was more than just an officer. She was a daughter, a wife, and a member of this community. She had served with the Columbia Police Department for over three years and was deeply committed to protecting her city. Her dedication to law enforcement was more than a job; it was her calling. Molly left behind her husband, Cory Bowden, who served alongside her at the Columbia Police Department, and her parents, Dave and Beverley Thomas, who remain active in honoring her legacy.

In the two decades since her death, Molly’s life has continued to inspire and uplift others. From the Molly Thomas Bowden Memorial Scholarship at Columbia College, which supports female students pursuing careers in Criminal Justice, to the annual Officer Molly Thomas Bowden Blood Drive, her spirit lives on in the community she loved.

The Impact of Your Support

Molly’s Miles was created to honor the sacrifice of Officer Bowden and all Missouri law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Every registration in Molly’s Miles helps ensure that the families left behind—like Molly’s—are supported. Proceeds from the race directly benefit Missouri Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), an organization dedicated to providing resources and emotional support to the families and colleagues of fallen officers.

Each step you take, each mile you run or walk, helps to honor not only Molly’s memory but also the countless other officers who have given their lives in service. You are also ensuring that their families receive the care, resources, and compassion they need to heal.

The 178 participants who have registered so far are doing more than running a race—they are carrying the torch for Molly’s legacy and ensuring that the bravery of officers like her is never forgotten. Together, we are standing strong for the fallen and lifting up the survivors.

While our special promotion has ended, regular registration is still open, and we invite everyone to continue signing up. Whether you run, walk, or simply support from the sidelines, your presence on race day makes a difference. Molly’s Miles is more than a 5K, 10K, and Virtual Race—it’s a day where we come together as a community to remember the fallen, honor the survivors, and show our support for those who protect and serve.

Molly’s Miles has become a powerful symbol of remembrance and action over the past eight years. Whether this is your first time participating or you’ve been with us from the start, your involvement matters. 

Thank you to everyone who has already registered, and for those still considering, we encourage you to take part in this important cause. Let’s continue to build on the legacy of Officer Molly Bowden and ensure that the bravery of our fallen heroes lives on in all of us. Register today and help us make a lasting impact.

We’ve got exciting news! Registration for the 7th Annual Molly’s Miles opens Saturday, Oct. 15th! To celebrate, we’re kicking it off at Fleet Feet Columbia, our new 2023 title sponsor, with a unique opportunity – the first ever Molly’s MILE. Everyone is encouraged to come out, get registered for the official Molly’s Miles in April, and participate in a voluntary, FREE one-mile course from Fleet Feet Columbia to the Molly Bowden Memorial Park. This event is separate from our 5K/10K and Virtual Run, and is a great opportunity for participants of all ages to support the survivors of fallen law enforcement officers and honor the memory of Columbia Police Officer Molly Bowden. 

Join us Saturday, Oct. 15 starting at 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Fleet Feet Columbia, located at 10 W. Nifong Blvd. Ste 113, for healthy fun for the whole family! An exclusive discount and free Molly’s MILE t-shirt* will be available on-site for those who register for April’s event, and Molly’s Miles merchandise will be available for purchase. See you there!

*While supplies last. Sizes are limited.  

We are excited to announce dates for the Packet Pick-Up Drive-Thru! Reserve your time today for either Friday, May 15 from 3-7 p.m. or Saturday, May 16 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 

It's been a long time coming and we are eager to see each of you soon. We are incredibly grateful for our partners and sponsors who are helping make this two-day event possible during National Police Week. As always, your safety is our first priority; with such, this event will be a drive-thru only. Participants will need to remain in their vehicles and Molly's Miles committee members will bring your items to you. Additionally, all committee members volunteering on-site will be following the recommended guidelines as laid out by the CDC and City of Columbia. Further details related to the event are listed below:

How do I reserve a time to pick-up my packet?

It's important to note that RESERVATION IS REQUIRED to pick-up your packet(s). Participants will choose a 30-minute window in which they plan to arrive on Friday or Saturday, respectively. We are limiting reservations per slot, so be sure to reserve early! You can reserve your spot using the link below. Be sure to include ALL the names of people you will be picking up for. You are permitted to pick-up for other people. 

MAKE MY PACKET PICK-UP RESERVATION

When and where will packet pick-up be held? Participants have two packet pick-up options:

1. Friday, May 15 from 3-7 p.m. at Stadium Grill located at 1219 Fellows Place, Columbia, MO 65201
2. Saturday, May 16 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Molly Bowden Memorial Park located at 900 W. Nifong Boulevard, Columbia, MO 65203

Can I pick-up packets for other people?

Yes. You must have all names you plan to pick-up for listed on your reservation. 

How will it work?

Participants are required to make a reservation for the 30-minute window they plan to arrive in. Participants will then drive to the location they chose at the time they chose in their reservation. Molly's Miles committee members will be on-site directing traffic in and out of the venues. Participants will drive-up and provide the name the reservation was made with. The Molly's Miles committee member will grab the bundle of packets associated to the name provided and pass it off to the driver/passenger without anyone having to get out of the vehicle. Your packets will include: participant shirt, finisher medal, coupons and other goodies from our sponsors all packaged nicely in a beautiful sling bag complimentary of Boone Hospital Center. 

What CDC and City of Columbia guidelines will be followed by packet pick-up volunteers?

All volunteers will be Molly's Miles committee members. These volunteers will be limited to 10 on-site at a time and will work to operate at the suggested six-feet distance from each other. Volunteers will be wearing masks and using hand sanitizer in between each packet delivery. 

Will my items be mailed if I can't make it either day?

No. As a charity we want to maximize proceeds to Missouri Concerns of Police Survivors. On average, the cost to mail shirts and medals exceed $10/package and is not a item built in to the initial registration cost. COVID-19 has also had an effect on the proceeds for the event this year given the on-site event was cancelled. We encourage participants to connect with friends or family who may be able to pick-up their packet(s) for them. Participants with questions or concerns about this can email us at MollysMiles5K@gmail.com. 

As a final note, we want to extend our gratitude to Stadium Grill and Boone Hospital Center for making these two days possible. We hope you'll consider supporting these great sponsors as it is because of them and our team of partners and sponsors that we can gather in such an extraordinary way each year. Speaking of each year - mark your calendar for our 5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY EVENT: Saturday, April 24, 2021! We can't wait to celebrate with you in traditional fashion once again (and maybe with a few extra surprises). It's going to be great! In the meantime, if you have any questions, please email MollysMiles5K@gmail.com. 

See you soon!
-Molly's Miles Board

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 16, 2020

Molly’s Miles cancels on-site event, transfers to Virtual Race

COLUMBIA, MO – The Molly’s Miles Board has been closely following events and public health recommendations surrounding the outbreak and spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The welfare of our Molly’s Miles community is always our top priority. Due to the rapidly developing COVID-19 situation, the Molly’s Miles on-site event, scheduled for Saturday, April 4, has been cancelled and transferred to a Virtual Race. 

This is a challenging time for our communities and nation, and the cancellation of the on-site event is disappointing news to many. Several proactive measures to help cease the spread of COVID-19 at the local and state level, such as social distancing and restrictions on large scale events, has led the Molly’s Miles Board to this decision. 

“We are a family and family takes care of one another,” says Buddy Anliker, President of Molly’s Miles. 

“We want to ensure we can provide the type of event our Molly’s Miles family has come to expect where the health, safety, and well-being of our participants, volunteers, partners and spectators is our main concern. We will do our best to achieve this through the Virtual Race this year and look forward to another on-site event in 2021.”

All registered participants for the 5K or 10K will automatically be transferred to the Virtual Race, and will still receive the respective shirt, medal, and goody bag at a packet pick-up to be determined. Those who originally registered for the Virtual Run will still only receive the finisher medal. Proceeds of the Virtual Race will continue to benefit the Missouri Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.). 

All packet pick-ups previously scheduled are also cancelled. A new date will be established and released in the coming weeks after the protection of public health can be confidently assured. Questions related to this major event change can be directed to MollysMiles5K@gmail.com. 

Although this pandemic has necessitated changes in the way we interact, it does not change what we do. Molly’s Miles is built on love, compassion, and honor. These elements are certainly needed today and in the coming months, and we implore you to take care of yourselves and each other.  

CONTACT: Buddy Anliker or Bryana Larimer, MollysMiles5K@gmail.com

Molly’s Miles Virtual Race is presented by Simmons Bank.