I saw a drawing of the Lexington runways, taxiways and terminal tarmac area on an earlier FR thread. It looks as if you have to taxi to the end of Runway 26, cross it, and then continue on a short taxi-way to Runway 22. The runways are just 4 degrees different in heading. The take-off was attempted before daylight.
It was certainly the pilot-in-command's responsibility to determine the correct runway but I know both pilots are proceeding through the pre-take-off checklist while taxiing.
The redundancy of two pilots is supposed to help avoid simple human error but does not always get the job done.
There are usually lighted signs next to each runway indicating the runway number which corresponds to the runway heading.
I can see how a simple but fatal mistake could be made in the rush to complete the take-off checklist.
Those who are not pilots have no idea how easy and fast it can be to make a mistake that can kill you and all of your passengers.
"...Runway 26, cross it, and then continue on a short taxi-way to Runway 22. The runways are just 4 degrees different in heading... "
40 degrees difference. :)