Runners come together for the Kentucky Run for the Fallen

HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. (WEHT) — Runners from all over Kentucky dedicated one weekend to honor those who served our country by running a total of 110 miles in two days.

Participants began in Owensboro on Saturday morning bright and early. The goal is to take the time to be intentional about remembering those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Out of 16 runners the youngest is Aubrey Porter, a middle schooler who is running in remembrance of her grandfathers.

Porter says stopping every mile to say a service member’s name makes it even more special- honoring those who served and the family members that will continue to hear thank you for your loved ones’ service.

“I think it’s really special to me because instead of just telling “Oh i’m sorry for those you’ve lost”, they’re saying the name and they’re saying who they were, that they were a great person, that they put their lives on the line and died for this country,” says Porter.

Kentucky Run for the Fallen honors service members who died as a result of serving from any circumstance during the war on terror. The idea is to honor all fallen with ties to the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Ashley Mason is in charge of veterans affairs for the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West but helping today is a way to give back and honor her brother’s legacy. Mason says it’s incredibly special to see this in person and watch her brother’s service in the navy be recognized and remembered.

“I remember watching his honors. So, it’s just surreal, every day coming here and working and it’s just a way for me to give back every day. It’s just, I didn’t serve my country, but I feel like I’m serving the people who served every day,” says Mason.

16 people ran for those who can’t and for those who will never be able to. The Kentucky Run for the Fallen may have ended but remembering those who paid the ultimate sacrifice will continue on.

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