Public Invited to Join the Ranks to Run With Responders
Organizers of the 2024 Run With Responders 5K are inviting resident runners to join them on a five-kilometre (5K) route along the Windsor Riverfront Trail on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
Nearly 400 individual runners and walkers of all ages are expected to take part in this unique first responder—themed charity run celebrating all frontline service providers.
Windsor Fire and Rescue Services Chief Stephen Laforet, Windsor Police Service Chief Jason Bellaire, and Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Chief Justin Lammers were joined by race coordinators on the riverfront today to announce the 2nd Annual Run With Responders 5K, Kids Dash and AM 800m Run to support local charities.
Registration
Supporting Local Charities
"For 2024, our charities are Canadian Mental Health Association-Windsor-Essex County Branch (CMHA-WECB) and Law Enforcement Torch Relay for Special Olympics Ontario, with 100% of the proceeds to benefit these two important charitable organizations,” said co-organizer Dave Orshinsky.
Dave Orshinsky, Windsor Police Sergeant Wil Hodgins and Gary Belanger are the organizers of the charity 5K, which will be a rain-or-shine event.
Race-day registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with the run to start at 9 a.m. sharp. All runners in the 5K will receive a high-quality 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.
“Run With Responders gives everyone the opportunity to support two great initiatives that champion mental health support, acceptance and inclusion,” said Essex-Windsor EMS Chief Justin Lammers.
Funds raised will support ongoing mental health education, training, and awareness as part of the Sole Focus Project of the Canadian Mental Health Association. Many sessions are geared toward helping professionals like first responders, medical professionals, youth, and caregivers.
“Mental health is key to our well-being, and we can’t be truly healthy without it,” said Canadian Mental Health Association’s Kim Willis. “It involves how we feel, think, act, and interact with the world around us. Mental health is about realizing our potential, coping with the normal stresses of life, and making a contribution to our community.”
The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics (LETR) engages law enforcement officers worldwide, championing acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities, starting first with their own communities.
The presenting partners of the Run With Responders 5K event are Windsor Police Association, Windsor Port Authority and Subaru Windsor.
“The Windsor Police Service is proud to join partners from across the community for this event,” said Jason Bellaire, Chief of the Windsor Police Service. “Our members look forward to supporting mental health and raising funds for our amazing Special Olympians.”
“Windsor Fire and Rescue Services is proud to participate in the 2024 Run With Responders 5K in support of CMHA-WECB and Law Enforcement Torch Relay for Special Olympics,” said Windsor Fire Chief Stephen Laforet. “We are committed to supporting organizations and individuals who contribute to the wellbeing of our community, and we would like to thank all of the dedicated emergency responders and service staff who work tirelessly to make Windsor-Essex a better place to live and work.”