WKU graduate, former News 40 staffer to run 120 miles for cancer support
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — A Western Kentucky University graduate and former WNKY News 40 staffer is preparing to run more than 120 miles across Tennessee, turning a personal loss into an effort to support families affected by cancer.
Chris Rippy plans to begin the journey Nov. 5 at the Kentucky-Tennessee state line and run south to the Alabama border over four days. The effort, called Project More Time, will raise money for the American Cancer Society.
Rippy graduated from WKU in 2021 and previously worked at WNKY News 40 for more than a year. He now works as a videographer and content creator, primarily in the music industry.
The motivation behind the run is deeply personal. Rippy lost his father to lung cancer in 2023. He said he struggled with the loss before finding an outlet through fitness and running.
“I always hated running, but running seemed to be the way that I could clear my head the most, and it kind of became therapy to me,” Rippy said.
After spending the past several years building his endurance, Rippy said he wanted to put his training toward a larger goal.
The name Project More Time reflects what he hopes the effort will accomplish.
“To me, it means having more time with the ones that you love and the ones that you care about, whether that’s family, whether that’s friends,” Rippy said.
Rippy said losing someone to cancer can make people realize how much they would give to have another day with those they love.
He hopes the money raised can help other families facing similar circumstances.
The fundraiser has a goal of $14,400, based on a pledge to raise $120 for every mile of the planned run. Rippy said donations of any amount can help reach that goal.
Funds raised through the campaign will go to the American Cancer Society to support cancer research, patient support programs, transportation and lodging assistance, and other resources for people affected by cancer.
“If any dollar that we earn and raise through this can help someone, can help another family have another day, you know, another holiday, another birthday with the people they love, then I would consider it a success,” Rippy said.
The route will follow Highway 231, beginning just north of Westmoreland, Tennessee, and continuing to the Alabama state line. Rippy said the route covers at least 120 miles, with possible additional mileage for safety adjustments.
He has spent the past 80 days specifically preparing for the challenge. A five-person support crew will accompany him, with members helping with driving, filming, livestreaming and pacing.
Rippy plans to document the journey and livestream the run on TikTok at @shotbyrip. The livestreams are expected to begin around 6 a.m. each day and continue throughout the journey. He also plans to produce a short documentary following the run.
Beyond the fundraising goal, Rippy hopes the challenge encourages people dealing with difficult circumstances to keep moving forward.
“I hope that if someone’s battling that right now, maybe they’re in their lowest season, that they can find some inspiration and maybe take another step forward for them,” Rippy said.
Project More Time is scheduled for Nov. 5-8.
Donations can be made through the online fundraiser at https://raiseyourway.donordrive.com/campaign/Project-More-Time. People can also follow Rippy’s journey through his TikTok livestreams.
