If you want to test your running skills against a firefighter, EMS or police officer, your chance is just a few weeks away.
The second annual Run With Responders 5K takes place Sunday, July 28, and organizers are inviting the public to join first responders on a five-kilometre route along the riverfront trail.
Organizers are hoping about 400 people will lace up alongside first responders for the race, which also includes a kid’s dash and the AM 800 metre run to support local charities.
“It's a way of honoring our first responders from fire, EMS, police and Canada Border Services Agency,” said Dave Orshinsky, event co-organizer and a Sport Recreation and Management Instructor at St. Clair College.
“We want the general public to come out and show their appreciation and say thank you to those folks for all the things that they do, day in and day out for us,” said Orshinsky. “At the same time, they can participate with those first responders side-by-side when they're running or walking the event.”
The chiefs of the Windsor Police Service, Windsor Fire and Rescue Services and Essex-Windsor EMS confirmed Thursday they will be taking part in the race, along with their colleagues and the public.
The course along the riverfront trail will feature Police, Fire, Essex-Windsor EMS and CBSA vehicles off to the side in honour of all local first responders.
“It's an opportunity for people to come out, mingle with first responders, see some of our equipment, and have a fun day of running,” said Windsor Fire and Rescue Chief Stephen Laforet. “It raises awareness and it's an opportunity to raise some funds. We're very, very happy to be part of it. And I hope to see a lot of people out here.”
The event is a fundraiser for the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Sole Focus Project, which supports ongoing mental health education, training, and awareness.
The run will also raise funds for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, an event which engages officers worldwide to champion acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities.
“It goes to benefit everyone in our region, supporting mental health and it’s supporting Special Olympics and the Torch Relay, so we’re proud to be supporters of it and look forward to a good run,” said Essex Windsor-EMS chief, Justin Lammers, a St. Clair College alumnus of distinction and graduate of the College’s Paramedic Program in 2005.
As part of the event, the various services will compete head-to-head for bragging rights and a trophy, which is currently held by Windsor Police, after their victory in the inaugural race in 2023.
“Although I'm confident in my people, I still recall in my early years as a police officer how well the firefighters did across the world with their teams that were competing and things like CrossFit and the toughest firefighter alive challenges,” said Windsor Police Service Chief Jason Bellaire. “So, I'm a little concerned that we might have awakened a sleeping beast, but I think our people are going to be ready for it.”
St. Clair College and the St. Clair College Alumni Association are the official timing partners for the event.
The race will take place, rain or shine, on July 28, with race-day registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. and the run to starting at 9 a.m. sharp.
All runners in the 5K will receive an event t-shirt and finisher’s medal.
Entry fees are $50 for the 5K run and $25 for the AM 800m Run or Kids Dash.
To register, click the link below:
https://raceroster.com/events/2024/86964/run-with-responders-5k