UK’s Detachment 290 cadets started their Saturday morning in the dark to honor those who came before them.

The run honors the sacrifices of American prisoners of war, as well as those who are still missing in action.

The run began at Barker Hall on campus and ended 29 miles away at the Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Frankfort. Barker Hall is the headquarters of the “Flying Wildcats,” the nickname for the detachment.

The annual run is to raise awareness and show respect for prisoners of war and those who are missing in action.

“It’s for the families too,” Cadet Adam Shelton said. “It’s to think about them and to give back to those who made the ultimate sacrifice,”

Cadets from the University of Louisville also joined UK AFROTC cadets. Together, they started their run at 6 a.m. and were escorted by Kentucky State Police. Their route was through Old Frankfort Pike.

Along the way, water stations were set up by volunteers, including an AFROTC sister organization called Silver Wings. Silver Wings is an organization committed to developing strong civilian leaders with an understanding of aerospace power.

“When I’m running, I’m out there having a good time knowing that we’re paying tribute to those who aren’t able to be here with us,” Shelton said. “It’s motivating to think about those who came before us. We gave it our best effort step by step.”

Once the runners reached their destination, a ceremony was held at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The ceremony included a presentation from the Cadet Wing’s Honor Guard.