Baptist Health Hardin Monster Dash to raise awareness of domestic violence

Elizabethtown, KY (Sept. 22, 2025) – October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. On Saturday, Oct. 25, Baptist Health Hardin’s Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)/Forensic program will hold its fourth annual Monster Dash, a 5K run/walk to raise awareness about this critical issue. The race begins at 8:30 a.m. ET at Severns Valley Baptist Church, 1100 Ring Rd. in Elizabethtown. Costumes are encouraged.

"We are standing with survivors, amplifying their voices, and building a community where no one feels alone,” said Tina Tapio, SANE/Forensic program manager. "Our goal is to unify our community, prevent violence and empower survivors by showing support and providing resources they need."

A SANE, or a sexual assault nurse examiner, is a registered nurse specially trained in the forensic examination of adults, adolescents or pediatric patients who have been the victims of sexual violence. In addition to providing medical assessment and treatment, SANEs also collect and preserve time sensitive evidence and must be prepared to testify in legal proceedings. 

The Baptist Health Hardin SANE/Forensic program began at the former Hardin Memorial Health in 2012 with on-call services. The program has grown from seeing 35 patients in the first year to delivering care for more than 600 patients annually. Since its inception, the program has expanded from treating adult and adolescent victims of sexual assault to also treating pediatric patients.  Further expansion of services includes domestic violence, child physical abuse, adult physical assault, human trafficking, and elder abuse. 

Early registration for the run is $25 before Oct. 5. Registration must be received by Oct. 10 to receive a T-shirt on race day. 

Late registration is $30 through Oct. 25.  Participants can also register at the race until 8:30 a.m. Cash and credit card registration payments will be accepted on race day.  

Children 12 and under can participate for free. Save $5.00 on your registration by creating a social media team of five members. 

Participants may pick up packets on race morning at 7:30 a.m. ET in the church parking lot near the start and finish line.

Awards will be given to the top three overall male and female runners and in age categories. There will also be special awards for the best dressed runner and best team costume. 

All proceeds go toward covering the cost of the event and to the SANE/Forensic program to serve people who have experienced domestic violence.

To register, visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/KY/Elizabethtown/MonsterDashToEndDomesticViolence5K

For questions or more information, call 270.980.2328.