Aberdeen, SD - Running from the cops usually isnt a good idea, but thats exactly what an estimated 250 people did Saturday at Wylie Park, including Healthcare Plus Federal Credit Unions VP of Lending, Nicole Crawford and Marketing Specialist, Heidi Zeller-Crawford.
Far from causing trouble, however, the group represented a larger-than-expected turnout for the first-ever "Run From the Police 5K," which benefited the local Fraternal Order of Police chapter. With sunny skies, a scenic park as a backdrop and a big walk-up crowd, Aberdeen Police Department officer John Kirnan said the event was a success.
"Everything just went great," Kirnan said. "The weather was excellent and we had close to 250 people sign up with about 50 of those registering Saturday morning. We couldnt have asked for a better day. We had a lot of help from our many sponsors, and the FOP wants to thank everyone for making our first event a huge success."
Fitting the theme of the event, runners began the 5K with a "jail break" through a makeshift prison gate. At different points throughout the course, participants were also encouraged by police sirens from vehicles stationed throughout the park.
Levi Jensen, who was one of nearly two dozen law enforcement officers to take part in the race, said he was surprised by the turnout.
"I was impressed and I thought it was an outstanding event," said Jensen, who is a trooper with the South Dakota Highway Patrol. "There were runners and walkers of all different ages, and it seemed like everyone was having fun. I really like the theme and I thought the sirens were an added benefit."
Kirnan said times were not kept for participants, but added that he believes future races would likely keep times and places.
"It was our first year doing it, and that was one thing that we didnt do," Kirnan said. "There are some things that could have been done better, but, for the first time, it was a big success. I cant wait for next years 5K."
Aberdeen, SD - Running from the cops usually isnt a good idea, but thats exactly what an estimated 250 people did Saturday at Wylie Park, including Healthcare Plus Federal Credit Unions VP of Lending, Nicole Crawford and Marketing Specialist, Heidi Zeller-Crawford.
Far from causing trouble, however, the group represented a larger-than-expected turnout for the first-ever "Run From the Police 5K," which benefited the local Fraternal Order of Police chapter. With sunny skies, a scenic park as a backdrop and a big walk-up crowd, Aberdeen Police Department officer John Kirnan said the event was a success.
"Everything just went great," Kirnan said. "The weather was excellent and we had close to 250 people sign up with about 50 of those registering Saturday morning. We couldnt have asked for a better day. We had a lot of help from our many sponsors, and the FOP wants to thank everyone for making our first event a huge success."
Fitting the theme of the event, runners began the 5K with a "jail break" through a makeshift prison gate. At different points throughout the course, participants were also encouraged by police sirens from vehicles stationed throughout the park.
Levi Jensen, who was one of nearly two dozen law enforcement officers to take part in the race, said he was surprised by the turnout.
"I was impressed and I thought it was an outstanding event," said Jensen, who is a trooper with the South Dakota Highway Patrol. "There were runners and walkers of all different ages, and it seemed like everyone was having fun. I really like the theme and I thought the sirens were an added benefit."
Kirnan said times were not kept for participants, but added that he believes future races would likely keep times and places.
"It was our first year doing it, and that was one thing that we didnt do," Kirnan said. "There are some things that could have been done better, but, for the first time, it was a big success. I cant wait for next years 5K."