Zachary Wansley, 21, enjoyed challenge of long-distance runs

Zachary Wansley had run a half marathon every Thanksgiving Day for the past few years, but this year he decided to train for a full marathon — 26.2 miles.

An experienced runner who had been competing since high school, he “very much liked to challenge himself,” said his mother, Maribeth Wansley of Palmetto.

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Zachary Wansley had been a competitive runner since his days on the cross-country team at Chapel Hill High School in Douglas County. He died Saturday while training for a marathon.

So on Saturday morning, he set out with a friend on a training run through one of his favorite parks, Cochran Mill Park.

“At the 16-mile mark, Zach said he was going to slow down, but his friend should go ahead. That’s the way Zach was, he didn’t want to inconvenience anyone,” Mrs. Wansley said.

Mr. Wansley, 21, was found dead at about the 18-mile mark, his mother said. The cause of death is not yet known. The family is awaiting a medical examiner’s report. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church of Fairburn. Parrott Funeral Home of Fairburn is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Wansley was in his fourth year at Georgia Tech, majoring in civil engineering. He loved following the Atlanta Braves, watching “The Simpsons” on TV and enjoying the outdoors.

He began running in middle school, often with his father, Ted Wansley of Palmetto, a serious runner. At first, the younger Wansley resisted going for long runs. By the time he attended Chapel Hill High School in Douglas County, he enjoyed the challenge and camaraderie of running cross country, his mother said. He also ran cross country his first year at Tech, Mrs. Wansley said.

Other survivors include a brother, Nicholas Wansley of Palmetto; and grandparents, Jerry and Marie Wansley of Ellenwood and Dick and Jane Yarbrough of Atlanta.

The family has established the Zach Wansley Spirit Scholarship Fund at United Community Bank of Fairburn, 65 Washington St., Fairburn, GA 30213. The scholarship will be presented to a high school senior runner of exceptional spirit and character as nominated by competing teams at the annual cross-country Mill Run hosted by Chapel Hill High School.