Runner Completes 40-Mile Journey to Raise Awareness for Addiction Recovery Programs

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Ken Anderlitch received a warm welcome from staff at DV8 Kitchen in Lexington on Friday, where he enjoyed a meal after completing a 40-mile run through the Bluegrass region. This strenuous distance has become routine for Anderlitch, who has run nearly 600 miles in recent weeks.

Anderlitch’s journey spans 1,800 miles across six states, commencing from Washington D.C. and heading toward his hometown of San Antonio, Texas. His mission is to raise awareness for individuals battling addiction.

“I never thought I would be running halfway across America,” Anderlitch stated, reflecting on his ambitious undertaking. He aims to raise $90,000 for the Families in Recovery Program, hoping to garner $50 for every mile he completes.

This initiative arose from Anderlitch’s personal experiences with addiction. “A lot of the problems I saw were families wanting recovery but fearing the loss of their children,” he noted. His vision is to create programs that support recovery while allowing parents to stay involved in their children’s lives.

Anderlitch’s journey is driven by a personal connection, as he lost his mother to addiction at the age of 20. “In my addiction, I took a lot from this world. Getting sober motivated me to give back,” he said.

Along his route, Anderlitch has visited various facilities dedicated to aiding those in recovery, including DV8 Kitchen, known for its role as a second-chance employer. Rob Perez, the owner of DV8 Kitchen, expressed that many in Kentucky previously thought individuals in recovery did not deserve job opportunities. “Ken’s message about keeping families together in recovery is noble and cutting-edge,” said Perez.

With approximately 1,000 miles remaining in his journey, Anderlitch hopes to inspire others to contribute to recovery efforts. “I want this to be about families who have been through addiction and are in recovery,” he emphasized. “The power of the message lies in the stories of those who are recovering.”

By sharing his experience and raising funds, Anderlitch aims to emphasize the importance of supporting families affected by addiction as they navigate the path to recovery.