JuJu’s Dino Dash kicked off at 9 a.m. at Drive Morris Stadium on the campus of North Olmsted High School.
A memorial 5K run and walk was organized on Saturday in Cleveland to remember Julian Wood, the 3-year-old boy who tragically lost his life in a double stabbing outside a North Olmsted Giant Eagle store last June.
The event, known as JuJu’s Dino Dash, commenced at 9 a.m. at Drive Morris Stadium, located on the premises of North Olmsted High School. The race consisted of a 5K run and a one-mile walk, with the participation of Wood’s parents who aimed to honor his memory, commemorate his life, and contribute in his honor. Funds raised from the event will go towards supporting scholarships and programs benefiting students and young individuals.
Since the unfortunate incident on June 3, 2024, where 3-year-old Julian and his mother, 38-year-old Margot Wood, were attacked outside the Giant Eagle store on Lorain Road, the local communities of North Olmsted and Northeast Ohio have shown tremendous support for the Wood family. Despite Margot Wood surviving the stabbing with serious injuries, Julian succumbed to his wounds after being rushed to the hospital for medical care.
The woman accused in the double stabbing, 33-year-old Bionca Ellis, was deemed competent to stand trial back in February. Her trial has been scheduled to start on July 14, with a final pretrial on June 18.
Last November, artist Arlin Graff unveiled a large mural on the side of a North Olmsted business in dedication to Julian Wood. Like the theme of Saturday’s 5K, the mural depicts a large dinosaur, which Julian loved.
“Very emotional because you know, he was just a kid, and kids love dinosaurs,” Graff told 3News.
