Warning: This story discusses domestic violence and suicide.
On Nov. 1, Atlanta-area sports broadcaster Laura Britt finished the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, her first-ever 26.2-mile race. She crossed the finish line in Central Park holding up photos of her late best friend, Christina Chambers.
Britt and Chambers met as undergraduates at the University of Alabama, where they both studied broadcast journalism. Britt was a cheerleader; Chambers, a standout athlete in track and field and cross country. Last December, Chambers was killed by her husband in a murder-suicide.
In the weeks following her death, Britt, Chambers’ sister, and three close friends decided to run a marathon in her honor. Together, the group raised more than $23,000 for nonprofit organizations that support domestic violence and gender-violence survivors.
Honoring a friend’s legacy
“We were thinking about what we could do to honor and channel our grief, and marathons were what she loved, and she was so good at it,” Britt said.
The group chose a race in New York City because it’s where Britt and Chambers celebrated their college graduation. An avid marathoner, Chambers completed the TCS New York City Marathon in 2023 on her quest to finish all of the Abbott World Marathon Majors.
“It was a big challenge for us, and we were in the group chat constantly this year to keep in touch and encourage each other and check in on our training,” Britt said.
She did most of her training runs on the Roswell Riverwalk Boardwalk and surrounding paths, while listening to a playlist of favorite songs like the Jonas Brothers’ “Love Me To Heaven” and “Praise” by Elevation Worship.
“I don’t know if ‘peace’ is the right word, but I feel closest to her when I’m running,” Britt said.
Supporting survivors of domestic violence
Britt earned a spot on the 2026 TCS Marathon’s Team Inspire, a group of 28 marathon athletes with the most compelling stories.
“When I decided to run the race, I was just hoping that other people will hear her story and say her name and also maybe get inspired to leave if they’re in a dangerous situation,” Britt said.
It’s why she chose to fundraise for New York City-based nonprofit Sanctuary for Families, which provides services and support for survivors of domestic violence, sex trafficking, and gender violence.
That mission and her memories of her best friend inspired Britt along the hilly, 26.2-mile course through all five boroughs of New York City.
Her mantra was on the banner she carried through the finish line: “Every step, every mile, for Christina.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the 24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.
