(LifeSiteNews) — LIFE Runners is preparing to kick off its annual across America relay, which involves thousands of pro-lifers forming a massive cross while traveling across the states to spread the message of life.
From September 5 to October 25, over 24,700 pro-lifers in 3,885 cities across 50 nations will participate in the LIFE Runners “A-Cross America Relay,” the largest spanning pro-life event with 1,476 legs covering 5,124 miles.
“The A-Cross America Relay for Pro-Life activates thousands of LIFE Runners with prayer and witness which delivers millions of life-affirming messages through public witness and social media, impacting hearts and minds for saving countless lives,” Dr. Patrick Castle, the founder of LIFE Runners, told LifeSiteNews.
Pro-lifers will walk or run 5K legs on the relay course or from anywhere in the world from September 5 to October 25, while wearing LIFE Runners shirts declaring the pro-life message.
“Running optional, prayer required,” Castle declared. “Everyone can wear the life-saving ‘REMEMBER The Unborn’ witness, all ages, from infant teammates in onesies to elderly teammates in nursing homes.”
Participants include pro-lifers from all stages in life, including 10,000 students from kindergarten to college. Participants will stop to pray at abortion facilities along their way.
“82% of post-abortion mothers said if they had encountered ONE supportive person or encouraging message, they would have chosen life,” Castle revealed. “With access to abortion in the mail and across state lines, LIFE Runners wear life-saving messages everywhere!”
The pro-life relay begins in September in four corners of the United States, including California, New York, Texas, and North Dakota. The relay covers 5,124 miles, or 12 million steps, forming a cross over the United States.
The event will conclude on October 25 at Benedictine College. During the rally at the finish line, Benedictine College President Stephen Minnis will give a speech while Archbishop Joseph Naumann will offer a prayer of thanksgiving.
In addition to being sponsored by various pro-life organizations, including LifeSiteNews, the relay has been praised by various Catholic clergy, who encourage pro-lifers to join the event and spread the pro-life message across America.
“I’m enthusiastic about the witness of LIFE Runners,” USCCB president Archbishop Timothy Broglio said. “I think that witnessing is crucial. The Church is always spread by the witness of her members. And I think respect for human dignity and respect for human life is also going to be spread by the witness that we give.”
Similarly, LIFE Runners chaplain Bishop Thomas John Paprocki declared, “As the LIFE Runners team chaplain, I offer my encouragement, support, and prayers for all those participating in the A-Cross America Relay for Pro-Life. May God bless you and make your legs swift and strong!”
Local pro-lifers can still join the relay, walking or running part of the route or anywhere in the world. For more information, visit the LIFE Runners’ website.
