First Responders Relay
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
First Responders Relay
The First Responders Relay is a team running relay hosted by the California Police Athletic Federation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The event is a six runner relay covering a total of 30 miles with stages that range from 4.2 miles to 6 miles. The start and finish are at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach; the course follows the Promenade and the Pacific Coast Highway to Rincon Point and returns to the hotel.
Entry is restricted to public safety personnel and related support staff. Eligible participants include sworn law enforcement, firefighters, fire/paramedics, emergency medical technicians, customs and correctional officers in good standing; retired or separated employees with ten or more years of service must provide proof. A support personnel category may include 9-1-1 dispatchers, detention-custodial officers, crime scene investigators, lifeguards, reserve officers, and volunteer firefighters. Nurses, ER doctors, and other frontline responders can be included pending organizer approval.
Teams compete in multiple categories such as Open, Mixed (three men and three women), Women, Senior (team total age at least 270 years), agency size divisions (500 and 250), Station/Division, Support Services, and Support Services Mixed. Each team is required to supply a volunteer for a race assignment; failure of a volunteer to appear can lead to disqualification. Teams receive a souvenir and nine runner T shirts. An award ceremony takes place at the Crowne Plaza Top of the Harbor Ballroom where the overall fastest team receives the perpetual trophy and other category placings are awarded.
Rules note that a runner who begins a stage must finish; if a runner cannot finish a stage the team will be classified unofficial. Alternates may replace no shows at exchange points without penalty. Additional race rules cover bib placement, baton carriage, right side trail use, roster submission deadlines and penalties, and conduct on the course. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
