Race Honoring Fallen Officer Burke Rhoads Coming Up This Weekend in Nicholasville

The yearly community run organized by the Nicholasville Police Department (NPD) will hold this coming Sunday in memorial of the fallen police officer, Burke Rhoads who tragically lost his life on March 11, 2015, in a car accident whilst performing his duties.

The Burke Race

Termed as “The Burke“, the race was initiated shortly after Burke Rhoads’ demise in an effort to extend and celebrate his legacy. This 5.74-kilometer race symbolic of Rhoads’ badge number 574 and his fondness for fitness is slated to start at 2 p.m., Sunday, March 3, at the East Jessamine High and Middle schools campus.

The Cause and Contributions

According to NPD Captain Alexis Jones, the department is hosting the run for the fifth time. The inaugural event proceeds went towards buying fitness equipment for the department’s new building. Currently, the race proceeds benefit families of other fallen officers across Kentucky in memory of Burke Rhoads.

Remembering Officer Rhoads

Jones recollects her fellow officer fondly, “Burke was a very credible person. He was one of those men who strictly followed the book, his integrity was unquestioned, and you always knew he would do the right thing. The community was important to him. Burke had a knack for making friends easily. I remember one instance where Burke and I responded to an older gentleman’s distress call [Dalton] and Burke and him soon became great pals. Burke would often drive Dalton out for ice cream and looked after him until he passed away. Reminiscences of Burke come to mind whenever I pass Dalton’s old house during my run.”

Participants interested in joining the race can register at racerise.com. Alexis Jones urged the community to come cheer and support the event as a gesture of unity and respect towards their local heroes.

Event Details:

Date: Sunday, March 3, 2024

Time: 2:00 PM

Location: East Jessamine High and Middle schools campus

Registration: racerise.com