Wichita runners raise funds to fight human trafficking

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - A Wichita nonprofit that works to fight against human trafficking got a helping hand from some local runners this weekend.

This is the fifth year of the 4x4x48 run, which translates to runners hitting the pavement for 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours.

All to help raise funds to ICT SOS, an organization that provides therapy and advocacy services to adult survivors, prevention education to middle and high school students and community training opportunities.

About 20 people signed up to do the whole thing this year, including Storm Team 12 meteorologist Jake Dunne. Other runners ed in throughout the weekend.

The challenge started Friday night and wrapped up Sunday afternoon.

“Everybody is tired, everybody is sore, but I think the thing that’s been really cool is every year I hear somebody says, ‘When I wanted to quit, I thought about the survivors,’” said ICT SOS executive director Jennifer White. “‘When I wanted to give up, I thought about the work that you do and the people who don’t have a choice to walk away from their situation and just keep going.‘”

This year’s event is also part of a larger project. Storm Team 12 Meteorologist Jake Dunne, Tony Brown and Tyler Patterson are competing in the Great World Race, which consists of seven marathons on seven continents in seven days.

It’s one of the most challenging marathons in the world, and White said she hopes their participation will help raise awareness and funds for ICT SOS and share their mission on a global stage.