First Responders Suicide Prevention 5K

RELIF a nonprofit organization, in collaboration with the Next Step Counseling, LLC is proud to announce its 3rd annual First Responders 5k run/walk. A fun-filled event for the entire family, celebrating the mental health and wellness of first responders. Held consecutively with National Law Enforcement Suicide Awareness Day, this signature event promotes a trifecta of mental health, physical wellness and community policing.

Guests can expect live entertainment, a mental health fair, and expert fitness instruction. Event proceeds support training and counseling for first responders and their families. 

Our event is rain or shine, and will only transition to virtual option if concerns of unsafe conditions arise. This event is non-refundable as all proceeds are given to an important cause. Race day registration is offered via cashless payment options only.

Registration includes: pre/post race snacks and a race shirt. Race shirt is guaranteed if registered by September 22, 2024.

RACE FAQ

• All participants receive a commemorative T-shirt if registration is completed by the 24th of August.
• Participants will engage in a group warm up/ stretch before the start of the race.  There will be space to stretch after the completion of the race.
• Walkers are encouraged to walk to the right, allowing runners to pass on the left.
• Timed bibs are available to those who wish to have their run timed.

RACE DAY SCHEDULE:
7:00 a.m. | Strong Rock Parking Lot opens
7:45 a.m. | Race # Pickup Begins – Ticket booth at the football stadium 
8:15 a.m. | Race # Pickup Closes
8:15 am  I  Warm up begins
8:30 a.m. | Race participants gather at the start line
8:35 a.m. | Official Race Start
10:00 a.m. | Finish of Race 
10:15 a.m. | Pick up race packs/ visit community partners
11:45 a.m. | Wrap up

RACE RULES:
1. Check-in and mandatory race-day number pickup opens to participants starting at 7:45 a.m. All participants must show a government-issued photo ID that matches the registered participant’s name upon check-in. Minors do not need to provide a photo ID
upon check-in when accompanied by a registered adult with a proper government-issued photo ID.
2. RACE bibs may not be sold, given away or used by any person other than the registered individual. 
3. All RACE participants must always stay on the officially designated 5K course, unless detoured by law enforcement or volunteers. 
4. No guns or weapons of any kind (including but not limited to knives, mace, pepper spray, stun guns, etc.) are allowed on the property.
5.  Outside water, water bottles, camelbacks, etc. are allowed. Water will be provided to RACE participants.
6. No pets are permitted except for officially designated service animals as required by an ADA participant.
7. All participants acknowledge that items left in any location on the school property are left at the participant’s own risk.
8. Relif & Locus Grove Police reserves the right to exclude or remove any participant from the RACE for failure to comply with any portion of the RACE rules.
9. Community partners and vendors will be onsite.

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS for the EVENT:
1. Anyone exhibiting signs of COVID-19 such as feeling sick, recently testing positive for COVID-19 and/or being exposed to anyone showing signs or recently testing positive for COVID-19 will not be allowed to participate in the RACE.
2. At the present time, wearing a face mask is optional. Face masks are not required while running/walking the 5K route.
3. Participants are encouraged to use their own judgement regarding social distancing when around people not in their social circle. 
4. RACE participants are encouraged to hand sanitize often throughout the event.
5. Individuals with compromised immune systems, individuals meeting other vulnerable criteria and anyone responsible for the care of someone in the at-risk population should possibly consider this event a risky environment. We recommend these individuals
participate as a 'Virtual Runner'
6. Any or all of these protocols may be adjusted if the health environment on RACE Day indicates changes are necessary.

TRANSPORTATION & PARKING:

• There is public parking at the RACE site, participants will park in the gravel parking lot behind the football stadium unless it has rained the night before.  If the gravel lot is wet, please park in the paved parking lot in front of the school.
• This location is not assessable with public transportation.
• Transportation is not provided to attend this RACE.

VIRTUAL RACE:

• For those unable to participate in person, the virtual option allows you to run or walk anytime and anywhere, even indoors on a treadmill, at your own convenience.
• Complete the 5K on your own time and at your preferred location.
• You can submit your virtual race results and photos via the race registration website.

NOTE: Staff will not be available via phone or e-mail on the morning of the RACE to answer questions.  Please resolve any issues or questions you have before race day.