The 62nd weekly family-friendly walk, jog, and run in Surrey was a bit different this week as it remembered a fellow ParkRunner who
Hui (Michael) Li was a regular at Surrey's Tynehead regional ParkRun, and his last run there was July 7.
At 3:31 a.m. on July 13, an Island County deputy responded to a call regarding a serious injury to a pedestrian in a collision with a vehicle, according to Washington State Patrol Trooper Brad Tulloch.
The runner, 55-year-old Hui (Michael) Li from Surrey, had allegedly gone outside the 鈥渄esignated racing area鈥� for Ragnar runners and into the southbound lane, according to Tulloch. There, a 41-year-old driver struck him with her vehicle.
Li was competing in the Northwest Passage relay race at the time of his death. Yi Sun, a teammate, created a for Li's family, which raised $159,505. All the funds will go towards medical bills, any fees from legal proceedings and funeral costs. The fundraiser has stopped accepting donations for now "by the request of the family."
"What started out as an exciting overnight team relay race took a turn for the worst. After being airlifted to the nearest hospital and despite relentless efforts to revive him, he succumbed to his injuries on July 14, 2025 at 6:32 a.m.," Sun said on the GoFundMe.
Sun described him as a loving husband and father, as well as the sole provider for his family.
"He worked tirelessly as a CPA to support and care for those he loved," noted the GoFundMe. "Michael was known to all of us as a kind, gentle, and hardworking soul. Always ready to lend a helping hand, he brought warmth, joy, and sincerity into every relationship. His quiet strength and unwavering support made him a treasured friend and an irreplaceable part of our community. Family was paramount to him; it was the source of his happiness."
His faith in God was extremely important to him, Son said, and he was involved in his church as a worship leader. Running was also another passion of Li's, Sun said. "He was a familiar face on the Vancouver podium circuit, a five-time World Major finisher, and just one star away from completing his six-star journey."
"Michael was a beautiful soul who deserved so much more time. His life was a testament to love, faith, and service. He will be deeply missed, and his legacy lives on in all of us."
-With files from Allyson Ballard, Carpenter Media Group
