Summary (tl;dr)

Oakland University medical student and decorated runner Grace Nolan, 25, tragically died in a car crash over the past weekend, just days before she was set to compete in the Detroit Free Press Marathon.

Essential Background

Grace Nolan was a highly accomplished collegiate athlete at Oakland University, excelling in cross-country and track and field. She was the 2025 Horizon League 10,000m champion and had earned first-team all-conference honors multiple times. Beyond her athletic prowess, Nolan was a second-year medical student at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine and actively volunteered in her community, including as a phlebotomist at free clinics and helping young girls through "Girls on the Run". She had previously run the Detroit Free Press Marathon, calling it "the most fun she'd ever had in a race".

The Full Story

Grace Nolan, a prominent Oakland University runner and medical student, passed away at the age of 25 in a car accident this past weekend. Her death was confirmed by the Detroit Free Press Marathon, which announced the news on Tuesday. Nolan was an elite entrant and was scheduled to participate in the Detroit Free Press Marathon on October 18, having passed away just hours before the event. The running community and Oakland University are mourning her unexpected loss, highlighting her kindness, dedication, and positive impact on those around her. Reports indicate the car crash occurred in Walled Lake, Michigan.

Why It Matters

The sudden death of Grace Nolan has deeply impacted the running and medical communities, as she was a promising student-athlete known for her dedication to both academics and athletics, as well as her significant community involvement. Her passing is a significant loss to Oakland University and the broader Detroit-area running scene, where she was celebrated for her achievements and her inspiring spirit. Many have expressed condolences, with suggestions to dedicate a mile of the Detroit Free Press Marathon to her memory.

Geographic Location

• Walled Lake, Oakland County, Michigan, United States (location of car crash)
• Clarkston, Oakland County, Michigan, United States (Grace Nolan's residence)
• Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan, United States (location of Detroit Free Press Marathon, where she was to compete)
• Auburn Hills, Oakland County, Michigan, United States (Oakland University location)