Save Our First Responders 5K Sponsored By Shatterproof FHE Health

Join the inaugural Save Our First Responders 5K, sponsored by Shatterproof FHE Health, on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM, at the Truman Waterfront Park in Key West, Florida. The event takes place during Monroe County's annual First Responders Week, which honors the dedicated service of law enforcement officers, including correctional officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, FWC officers, and dispatchers.

The 5K run/walk aims to raise awareness and support for the mental health challenges faced by first responders due to job-related trauma and stress. These challenges can lead to conditions such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation. Participants can run, walk, or run/walk three scenic laps around Truman Waterfront Park, near the Coast Guard Cutter Ingham, a decorated Coast Guard Cutter and National Historic Landmark. The USCGC Ingham Maritime Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM.

The highlight of the event is the "Super Eight" competition, where eight teams of Florida first responders compete for trophies and medals. The competing teams are: 911 dispatchers, correctional officers, correctional probation officers, crime scene investigators, EMTs & paramedics, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and USA armed forces. While the primary focus is on first responders, the event also acknowledges the contributions of "everyday heroes" such as teachers, security guards, power linemen, and public works employees through designated race groups.

The Officer Alioht Valdes Marrero Perpetual First Place Team Trophy is an award given to the winning team of the "Super Eight" competition at the annual Save Our First Responders 5K race in Key West, Florida.

The trophy is named in honor of Officer Alioht Valdes-Marrero, a 29-year-old Key West Police Officer who was a son, a husband and a father and also a mentor, brother and friend to many of us in Monroe County and who left us way too early in February 2022. Alioht loved to run and work out and this event honors his service and spirit. The event and the trophy help raise awareness and support for the mental health challenges faced by first responders.

Additional details
Opening Ceremony: The opening ceremony will feature Bishop Jonathan Carey of Glad Tidings Tabernacle praying for the wellbeing of all first responders and their loved ones.

Registration: Open to all ages. Parents should accompany young children.

Packet Pickup: Pre-registration and packet pickup will be held Friday, January 9th, 2026, from 5 PM - 7 PM, at Fit2Run "The Runner’s Superstore" at 211 Duval Street. Race day registration and packet pickup will be available at Truman Waterfront from 6:00 AM - 7:30 AM.

Wounded Warrior Project: Participants are encouraged to cheer on and support the Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride, which takes place Friday, January 9th, in the Upper and Middle Keys and Saturday, January 10th, in Key West. After the 5K, attendees are encouraged to  join the community ride with the warriors in Key West after the completion of the 5K and closing ceremonies. The Save Our First Responders 5K Sponsored By Shatterproof FHE Health will donate $5 to the Wounded Warrior Project and $5 to the National Junior Honor Society in Monroe County, FL for every 5K registration that is made through this link: https://runsignup.com/Race/Register?raceId=185545&raceRefCode=dV7Sqf1O

Refreshments and Raffles: Refreshments and a raffle will be available after the race.

T-shirts: The first 100 entrants will receive a free t-shirt.

Medals: Medals will be awarded to: gold, silver, and bronze medal winners of the Super Eight challenge (top 5 runners in top 3 first responder teams).

Overall top 2 male & female winners in both the run/walk and walk categories.

Overall top 2 masters (age 40+) male & female winners in both the run/walk and walk categories.

Top 3 male & female winners in each 10-year age group in both the run/walk and walk categories.

All participants who complete the 5K will receive a finisher medal.

Sponsorship: Save Our First Responders is a program of The Florida Correctional Officers Association, Inc., a 501(C)(3) public charity. Donations are tax-deductible. For more information please visit: https://flcos.org

The Shatterproof FHE Health Save Our First Responders 5K, is proudly sponsored by Shatterproof FHE Health, Fury Water Adventures, Sunshine Scooters, Keys Auto Center, Bascom Grooms Real Estate, Irish Kevin's, Excel Chiropractic and A&B Marina.  

Join in celebrating and supporting these frontline heroes!

Thank you and may God bless and protect us all!