By Debi Cleworth

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – After a year’s absence, the annual Special Olympics Wisconsin “Run with the Cops” returns to Wisconsin Rapids on Oct. 7.

“We are glad to be able to bring back Run with the Cops after going virtual last year,” said Detective Eric Daven of the Wisconsin Rapids Police Department.

Daven, along with other area law enforcement agencies, is an active supporter of local Special Olympics athletes, and has been involved with the local Run with the Cops event since it began in the city in 2015.

The event also highlights the longstanding relationship between Law Enforcement and Special Olympics.

“We all look forward to this great event that brings together our local police officers and community members, all to help support our amazing athletes,” Daven said.

Events like Run with the Cops and the Polar Plunge help support the more than 10,000 athletes in Special Olympics Wisconsin. In addition to 19 Olympic-type sports offerings, Special Olympics Wisconsin offers health programs, athlete leadership opportunities and more for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities.

“Run With the Cops and other Special Olympics events help athletes see how much their community supports them,” said Ashley Hansen, Special Olympics Wisconsin Development Coordinator.  “It’s always great to know that big crowds at our events mean that people really believe in our mission, and that we are raising sufficient funds in order to support our athletes.”

The event – one of three in the state — will feature a law enforcement vehicle display where children can try on SWAT gear, tour a police command center, police cars, and meet local K-9s. Basket raffles will be available at the event. Glow stations will be stationed along the route and participants can deck themselves out with glow necklaces, bracelets, and blue and red lights.

The event will be timed by The Franklin Finish, LLC , with race results posted on their website. Awards will be given to the overall male and female finishers, and the first and second place male and female finishers in the following age groups will receive medals: 18 and younger, 19 to 29, 30-39, 40 to 49, and 50 and older.

Registration begins at 4 p.m. behind the Wisconsin Rapids Moravian Church, 310 First Ave. S. Wisconsin Rapids. The Kid’s Fun Run with the Cops, and Ace the K-9, and law enforcement vehicle displays with take place at 6 p.m. The Run/Walk begins at 6:30 p.m. Pre-registration is also available.

Anyone interested in volunteering at the event should contact Daven at [email protected] or 715-421-6215; or Joe Seubert, Special Olympics Wisconsin Development and LETR Director at [email protected]