Run 4 Their Lives

Now that fall is in full swing, it is time for the annual Run 4 Their Lives Race. This year, race coordinators expect 1,500 runners to participate in the stand against sexual exploitation and human trafficking of women around the world.

Lynchburg College will be hosting the event Oct. 11 at 8:45 a.m. Race Director Ryan Barr explained the reason behind the event.

“We run for the lives of women and children who have been sexually exploited or trafficked in the U.S. and all over the country,” Barr said. “This year, we are running for Krista (a victim from Richmond, Virginia) and Vidya (a victim from India).”

Most of the runners for the Freedom Run are college students, and over the past few years, about 1,000 people have participated in the run. Those who are more interested in supporting the cause rather than running are encouraged to donate online or at the event. Contributions are expected to total around $50,000, which has been the average over the past few years, according to Barr.

“We have 18 races all over the country this year with the goal of raising money and awareness of the issue,” Barr said.

According to its website, Freedom 4/24, the organization hosting the event, was created for the purposes of raising awareness of human trafficking of women and children and providing financial support for other organizations with the same purpose. Freedom 4/24 raises awareness for the issue, moves to action to prevent the problem, and then asks for donations to help those individuals.

To register for the Run 4 Their Lives Race and help save women and children around the world who are suffering from exploitation and human trafficking, visit freedom424.org/r4tl/races.