DU Prof Plans Marathon Run To Honor Student Killed In Theater Shooting

DENVER (CBS4)- A University of Denver professor is running the Sports Authority Rock 'n' Roll Denver Marathon & ½ Marathon on Saturday to honor one of his students. Alex Teves was shot and killed in the Aurora theater shooting July 20.

Max Wachtel is not new to the world of running, or even marathons.

"A marathon seems like kind of a crazy thing to do," said Wachtel.

When he isn't running, Wachtel is a professor at DU and a forensic psychologist. Because of his field of study, little surprises him. What happened in the early morning hours of July 20 was an exception.

"My mind wouldn't allow me to believe he was gone," said Wachtel of Teves, one of his favorite students. "I taught him his entire first year in the masters program at DU.

"He was really excited to be in school, really excited about having people and he was really smart."

Wachtel will run the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in honor of Teves and the others killed in the Aurora theater shooting.

"They are going to be on my mind then and I know I'll get strength from that," said Wachtel. "I can't wait."

Teves loved the outdoors and adventure. Wachtel said a day of exercise and challenge is the perfect way to honor him.

There are other DU faculty and students who are also running the marathon in honor of Teves.

LINKS: Rock 'n' Roll Denver Bike Tour | Sports Authority Rock 'n' Roll Denver Marathon & 1/2 Marathon

PHOTO GALLERY: See Images From The 2011 Race