FRANKFORT, Ky. — A call for unity is bringing young people and faith leaders from around Kentucky to the State Capitol for one festive day.
Lexington group Run with Christ has drawn as many as 150 people to a single event since its February start. Leader Garrett Patterson said its mission is to help others through faith and fitness. Leader Garrett Patterson said its mission is to help others through faith and fitness.
“We’re a run club that invites all different athletes; people who run, people who walk, even people who don’t,” Patterson said. “But we know that God sees our bodies as temples, so we just want to keep our temples in the best shape that we can.”
Patterson said not only are they growing a faith-led community among young adults, but they’re establishing new partnerships across the region. RWC will host a “Capital City Run” with Frankfort’s youth faith group, The Hungry and the Thirsty, as part of the free Awake KY Rally Sept. 27.
Garrett Patterson, lead organizer of Run with Christ Lexington. The run club is hosting a Capital City Run Sept. 27 as part of the Awake KY Rally in Frankfort. (Spectrum News 1/Sabriel Metcalf)
Eric Lemon and his wife, Tuesday, founded the group.
“Looking forward to just the excitement … hopefully thousands of young people just lifting up Jesus, cheering and praise and dancing and celebrating life in its purest form,” Eric Lemon said.
The run starts at 9:30 a.m. with events to follow until 2:30 p.m. Activities include a rally at the Capitol, speakers, a street festival with vendors and a worship service downtown.
Josh Lemon of The Hungry and the Thirsty said not only is he elated for his dad’s hard work but also to help create a new fellowship event in their city.
“I’m just super proud of my dad,” Josh Lemon said. “Years ago, he kind of had the vision to do big things among our generation and really unite them and bring them together for a cause to really help them. Just to see them step out and do something like this, it’s truly amazing.”
The goal is to reach at least 1,000 young adults in Kentucky, Eric Lemon said.
“I think it’s kind of just making a statement and making a mark on this state as we’re going to pray for the state and pray for the young people all across this state,” he said.
Lemon said ministries from northern Kentucky, Radcliffe, Louisville and Lexington will join them.
Volunteers are still needed. Those interested in registering can do so online.