NCAA Elite Marathon Runner Grace Nolan Dies In Accident at 25

Oakland University student Grace Nolan passed away this weekend at the young age of 25.

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Nolan was a prolific runner at Oakland, winning the 10,000m championship for the Horizon League in 2025. She was a three-time All-Horizon League cross country runner during her career and was once nominated for 2025 NCAA Woman of the Year. In addition to being an all-conference cross country runner, she was a second-year medical student.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Detroit Free Press Marathon sadly confirmed that Nolan died in a car crash in Walled Lake.

“Grace’s impact went well beyond her running. She volunteered as a phlebotomist at free clinics in our community, and she helped young girls discover running through Girls on the Run. Everyone who knew her saw her kindness, her drive and her joy. Grace ran her first marathon here in Detroit last year. She said it was the most fun she’d ever had in a race, and coming back was never a question. We are honored she chose to share her running with us,” the Detroit Free Press Marathon wrote.

“To Grace’s family, friends, teammates, coaches and classmates: we hold you close and grieve with you. Grace, thank you for the light you brought to every start line. You will always be part of this race.

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A tragedy in the track community.

Nolan was set to compete in the Detroit Free Press Marathon this past Sunday, but this tragic accident occurred just hours before the race. The public is understandably devastated over this loss.

“Can we please make one of the miles next year a dedication to her? Mile 25 for her age. The Grace Nolan Memorial Mile,” one person suggested.

“It speaks to Grace’s incredible legacy that you only continue to learn more and more about the scores of people she touched with her character, service, and grit,” a second person wrote on Instagram.

“Oh how sad..She was becoming a Dr. As well.. A well decorated athlete.. perhaps a scholarship will be named in her honor,” another person commented.

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Our thoughts are with Nolan’s loved ones. May she rest in peace.

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This story was originally published October 20, 2026 at 5:36 PM.