Get ready to lace up your running shoes for the Hollister Police Explorers 5K Foot Pursuit this Saturday at Brigantino Park.
The event features a 5K run for adults at 9 a.m. There’s also a mile run for kids 13 and under at 9:10 a.m. The 5K costs $40 and the mile costs $25. Check-in commences at 8 a.m. Interested runners can register up to 15 minutes prior to the start of the races.
The run is a fundraiser for the police department’s Law Enforcement Explorer program, which started back in Feb. 2015.
“The program is essentially geared toward teens who are interested in law enforcement,” Explorer Advisor Anietra Gomez said. “Even if they aren’t, they’ll get massive skills they can use in today’s world.”
Explorers meet once a month for meetings and training on subjects like report writing and traffic collision investigation, Gomez said.
“It gives them a foot up in the field and also teaches them leadership skills,” she said. “One meeting was designed on how to interview, whether it’s going in for a first job in law enforcement or possibly a first job after college.”
Applications for the program will be available at the event, but can also be picked up in the police department lobby.
In addition to the Explorer program, the 5K Foot Pursuit also raises funds for the California Peace Officers’ Memorial Foundation. The local foundation’s goal is to assist the families of fallen officers.
“It’s kind of a cool deal because, personally, I always try to promote fitness and healthy living. This event promotes that,” Chief David Westrick said. “It’s a 5K, but it also benefits the program and those who’ve chosen on their own to assist the families of fallen police officers. Some of that money would go to the (California Peace Officers’ Memorial Foundation) and some into the program to assist with tuition for the explorer academies.”
The 5K Foot Pursuit takes place Saturday, May 13 at 8 a.m. at Brigantino Park (2037 San Juan Road in Hollister).
To register for the weekend, go to https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Hollister/5KFootPursuit
