Cyclists and runners turn out for Stop the Violence event on Rivergreenway

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Around 60 people lined up along the Rivergreenway for Stop the Violence in Fort Wayne on Saturday.  Organizers behind the event said they wanted to show that violence to women and athletes would not be tolerated.

The event stemmed from the recent Rivergreenway attack where a female was sexually assaulted in broad daylight while she was jogging along the trail.

"I was shocked and offended that someone who attack an athlete, someone who is out pursing health and wellness, and I thought it was unacceptable.," said Melissa Renner, who set up the event. "As a woman, and as a runner, it was really close to home and too scary and this thing can not be accepted."

Renner began planning the event days after the assault .  She asked people to line up along the trail at 11 a.m., the same time the September attack took place.  Little by little, more and more people filled up the part of the path located under the Lower Huntington Road Bridge, the same location the attack took place.

"Everybody coming out to show solidarity and support and appreciation for the trails," April Reinhard, a cyclist, said.  "We can change anyone's mind who might be frightened."

The event wasn't over when the 30 minutes were up.  From there, people split up into groups to learn about ways to stay safe on the trails.  That included biking and running groups, to stop people from using the trail alone.  It also included a basic self defense class.

"You sort of have a moral obligation, I believe to fight back," Alan McLuckie, a self defense instructor, said.  "If you let the person get away with victimizing you, well who knows how many more victims after you could be assaulted."

NewsChannel 15 also spoke with the city's parks department on Saturday.  It said the park does have volunteers patrolling parts of the trail at times to help keep the trails safe, and to monitor any potential problems.

"We would like for people to know that on our trails, we look out for each other," Renner said.  "And everywhere we workout."

Renner offered the following tips to anyone using the trails:

• Carry pepper spray
• Use the trails in pairs or groups
• Always tell someone where you'll be going, and how long you expect to be gone

"I hope this sends a message to the man who committed the crime," Reinhard said.

Reinhard added her and her husband host what they call Lemonade Rides .  Each Thursday, the couple will host a group of cyclists, who bike along a different part of the Rivergreenway.