Ahead of this year’s Race 4 Freedom 5K, Wichita runners Matt Magnuson and Tony Brown are taking on an extraordinary challenge to raise funds and awareness for ICT S.O.S., the Wichita nonprofit dedicated to ending human trafficking. The pair will run to all 90 Keeper of the Plains statues scattered across Wichita — a route covering approximately 125 miles — in a fundraising effort they’re calling “Keepers for Freedom.”
Magnuson and Brown will begin their run at 6 a.m. Thursday, September 10, at ICTeeth (135th St. W & Maple St.), and finish on Saturday, September 12, by running from the iconic Big Keeper of the Plains statue directly to the start line of the Race 4 Freedom 5K, where they will join hundreds of participants for the race itself.
This marks the sixth year Brown has raised funds for ICT S.O.S. through Running With a Cause, his ongoing effort to turn endurance running into support for the organization’s anti-trafficking work in Wichita.
“Human trafficking happens here, in our own community—and ICT S.O.S. is working every day to fight it,” said Magnuson. “Through prevention and awareness education, survivor advocacy, and connecting our community with resources to help, their mission is to create real change for those impacted by human trafficking. That’s why Tony and I are taking on Keepers for Freedom — 90 mini Keepers and 125+ miles through the streets of Wichita. The miles will be hard. The mission is worth it.”
Every mile of the challenge is tied to ICT S.O.S.’s mission. The organization works throughout the Wichita community to provide immediate support, resources, and advocacy for survivors of human trafficking, while also educating youth and local leaders to prevent trafficking before it starts.
“Watching these guys take on this crazy challenge reminds me, and those we serve, that there are people in our community willing to literally go the extra mile(s) to create a safer Wichita for everyone,” said Jennifer White, Executive Director of ICT S.O.S. and Race 4 Freedom Race Director.
How the Community Can Help
Community members are invited to support Magnuson and Brown by making a pledge per mile or a one-time gift of any amount to power ICT S.O.S.’s ongoing mission. Every dollar raised helps turn 125 miles into real, lasting change for survivors of trafficking in Wichita.
Donate at: secure.qgiv.com/for/keefofre
About Race 4 Freedom 5K
Now in its 15th year, the Race 4 Freedom 5K is an annual run/walk organized by ICT S.O.S. to raise funds and awareness in the fight against human trafficking. This year’s race takes place Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 8 a.m. in Wichita, Kansas, with both in-person and virtual participation options. Since its founding in 2012, the race has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support local survivors and prevention programs. More information and registration are available at race4freedom.com.
About ICT S.O.S.
Founded in 2011, ICT S.O.S. is a Wichita-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to end human trafficking through prevention and awareness education, survivor advocacy, and community partnerships. ICT S.O.S. connects local agencies serving trafficking victims with the volunteers, educators, and resources needed to support their work, and provides direct services including case management, therapy, and Fresh Start resource bags for survivors. Learn more at ictsos.org.
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