A Cape Breton teenager who collapsed running the Toronto Marathon three years ago was remembered through a walk in the streets of Sydney on Sunday.

Eighteen-year-old Emma van Nostrand died as a result of a rare and undiagnosed heart abnormality. Just days after the tragedy, a memorial run was organized in her memory.

“It was difficult, very difficult,” said Emma’s mother, Katherine van Nostrand. “We were still probably in shock, but it was still a great feeling that people were so concerned about us as a family. And it helps when people do those things.” 

The run is now in its fourth year. More than 600 participants were involved, with proceeds going to the Emma van Nostrand Memorial Scholarship Fund.

“There's different times when you certainly feel her stronger, and I’ve run that loop with her so many times. I just felt that she was with us. She was smiling down because so many people there were her friends. She would have been really happy,” said Katherine van Nostrand.

Emma was planning to study psychology at Dalhousie University. With more than $100,000 raised to date, the run has allowed others to pursue their own post-secondary dreams.

“The people who've been given the money, we've got great feedback from,” said Emma’s father, Steve van Nostrand. “What you want a scholarship to be is to give other young people similar age as Emma was when she died a hand up.”

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kyle Moore.