Austin Tice family grateful 5K race draws attention to his case after regime change in Syria

The December 2024 fall of the government of Bashar al-Assad in Syria and the U.S. government's response to it has changed the landscape for detained American journalist Austin Tice and challenged his family, but they remain hopeful, sister Naomi Tice said.

“We know from some of the information that the U.S. government has finally shared with our family that there is documented evidence of Austin’s detainment, intel, up until December, 2024," she said. “We do still know that Austin is alive. We are still hoping that he will walk free at any moment.” 

Austin Tice was abducted in Syria 13 years ago before the change in government there. The National Press Club has worked with the family for years to draw attention to his case and encourage the US government to take steps to bring him home. And Naomi and Austin's mother, Debra Tice, is working with the new Syria government to look for Austin on the ground in Syria.

Naomi Tice said she and her family are grateful to National Press Club members and others nationally and globally who support her brother by participating in the Austin Tice Virtual 5K Race each year. The 5th anniversary race is on Saturday, Nov. 8th. Those who sign up for the event by Oct. 30 will receive a t-shirt in time to wear it during the event. Register here. 

Join colleagues, as hundreds of journalists nationwide and globally by participating in the Austin Virtual 5 K. You don’t have to run! You can walk or be a part of this important event virtually and through social media.