Charlotte Marathon to honor deceased runner with bib tribute

The Charlotte Marathon will honor avid runner Lance Sotelo during this Saturday’s races by placing his silhouette on every runner’s bib. Sotelo was killed in a hit-and-run crash in the NoDa neighborhood in January.Sotelo competed in the Charlotte Marathon last year, finishing fifth in his first marathon. This weekend, his partner, James Holt, will run the 5K to honor Sotelo’s memory and dedication to running.Channel 9 reporter Evan Donovan spoke with Holt about preserving Sotelo’s memory following the crash. Holt reflected on the difficult period since losing his partner. PREVIOUS COVERAGE:Driver sentenced in fatal NoDa hit-and-runLoved ones remember man killed while jogging; suspect in custodyLocal advocates push for red-light cameras following hit-and-run death of Charlotte manMother who lost son in crash praises possible return of red-light cameras to Queen City“January 14th was one of the worst days of my life,” Holt said, noting that the past 10 months have been harder than imagined. “I mean, just remembering him for you know all the laughs and memories that you have with somebody you love.”Holt emphasized how central running was to Sotelo’s daily life. “Every day, a daily occurrence,” Holt said. “I’ve got to get in a run. I got to get in a run, no matter what, every day.”Marathon organizers announced the tribute in a social media post, revealing that each runner’s bib on Saturday will be adorned with Sotelo’s silhouette. Holt said seeing the gesture meant a lot to him. “Wow, that was so cool,” Holt said. “And you know, he’s going to be a part of everyone that’s running out there, so that’s going to be really special.”Holt added his thanks for the honor. “To have him honored as part of it is just unbelievable,” Holt said. “I just can’t thank them enough.”Regarding the legal outcome, a judge sentenced the driver who hit Sotelo, Q’Laundra Hood, to 30 days in jail in September. The court also ordered Hood to pay restitution to Sotelo’s family.Channel 9 will broadcast race highlights and runner stories in a Charlotte Marathon special airing at noon on Sunday.