HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – After being postponed due to weather concerns earlier in April, the Thin Blue Run took place Wednesday under more favorable conditions, bringing the community together for a day focused on awareness and support for children and families impacted by abuse.

Organized by the Hopkinsville Police Department and the City of Hopkinsville, the event centered around a 34-mile run across the length of Christian County, stretching from the Hopkins County line to Valor Hall in Oak Grove. The effort was designed to raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, both observed in April, while also collecting donations for the Pennyrile Children’s Advocacy Center and Sanctuary, Inc.

A group of diverse runners in matching blue shirts sprinting together at a race start behind a blue tape line.
Runners in blue shirts jogging along a two‑lane road, led by a white pickup with flashing lights and followed by a dark SUV.
Man in a blue T‑shirt with a black handprint logo stands with hands on hips, smiling outdoors at a park event.
Group of diverse people posing with a large donation check, smiling at a charity event against blue inflatable decor.
Smiling man in a light blue T-shirt with a black handprint and '2026' emblem, standing beside a dark vehicle outdoors.
Woman in a red hoodie speaks into a microphone at a podium, with blue inflatable backdrop behind her.
Smiling man in a blue athletic shirt with a blue handprint logo on the chest, standing on a sunny grassy field outside.
Woman speaks into a microphone at a podium, with large blue inflatable anti-child-abuse display behind her.
Group of diverse people holding a large ceremonial check made out to PGAC & Sanctuary for $16,745, dated April 29, 2020, memo 'THIN BLUE RUN'
Diverse group of runners in blue shirts linked arm-in-arm as they cross a blue ribbon finish line on a sunny day in a park courtyard fieldspeckled with trees.
Blue inflatable arch mascots spelling 'STOP CHILD ABUSE' with white letters and orange hearts, set up indoors for an event/awareness display.
Woman in a dark blazer speaks into a handheld microphone at a podium during a press conference, with blue inflatable decor behind her.
Two presenters at a podium during a child-abuse awareness event, flanked by large blue inflatable palm trees and a heart backdrop with 'Stop Child Abuse' text.
Man speaking into a microphone at an indoor event, wearing a light blue shirt, with large blue inflatables in the background featuring a heart and text.
Group of runners in blue shirts jogging together on a park path, smiling and supporting each other.
Older man at a podium speaks into a microphone, with a large blue inflatable display reading 'CHILD ABUSE' behind him.
Back view of a participant wearing a light blue event shirt covered with sponsor logos for Thin Blue Run, with others blurred in the background.
Three women smiling and posing with a large ceremonial check for $16,745 to PCA & Sanctuary, date April 29, 2020, memo 'Thin Blue Run'. Behind them are blue inflatable arches.

Starting at 7 a.m., several runners participated throughout the day, rotating in and out to complete the full distance. They briefly stopped halfway at Founders Square in Hopkinsville and were cheered on by community members before continuing on.

“We said if we’re going to run that far, let’s at least have a cause with it,” Police Chief Jason Newby said during the closing ceremony. “We had everybody supporting us.”

The event concluded at Valor Hall, where organizers recognized sponsors and presented a check totaling $16,745. The funds will be split between the two beneficiary organizations, both of which provide services to victims of abuse and violence.

HPD Public Information Officer Justin Rios said the idea began as a simple challenge but quickly grew into something more meaningful.

“Chief Newby and other officers wanted to raise some money for the Pennyrile Children’s Advocacy Center and Sanctuary, who provide a lot of resources and help with children and families in the community,” Rios said. “So they decided to run the entire length of Christian County.”

Clara Butler, associate director and forensic interviewer at the Pennyrile Children’s Advocacy Center, expressed her appreciation for those involved. “We appreciate your endurance, your strength and your commitment to the cause,” Butler said.

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