On Sunday, Nov. 13, community members and law enforcement officials come together to participate in the 9th annual Run with the Heroes 5K at Camp Mabry (2200 W. 35th St.). The race starts at 8 a.m. on the Parade Ground. Awards will be presented to the top three finishers in various categories.
Runners of all levels – beginners through advanced – are invited to compete and have fun while supporting Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) athletes in the Central Texas Area. The cost to race (through Nov. 9) is $30 for general public, $25 for students and $20 for children. Registration can be completed online. Day of event registration will be held starting at 6:30 a.m., and the fee will be $35 for all runners.
Hosted by the Austin Police Department and the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Texas, the 5K run honors all fallen heroes and their families from the Fire, EMS and Police first responder agencies. The 2016 honorees are Sgt. Chris Kelley from the Hutto Police Department and Kristin McLain, a STAR Flight nurse.
Kelley, a U.S. Air Force veteran, served with the Hutto Police Department for 11 years. After a struggle during an attempted arrest, the suspect stole a car and tried to flee. Kelley attempted to stop him and was struck by the car. After being taken to the hospital, he died from his injuries.
McLain, a registered nurse, had worked for STAR Flight for seven years. She died after falling from a medical helicopter while attempting to rescue a woman who had fallen into the Barton Creek Greenbelt. While being hoisted up to the helicopter with the victim, McLain fell out of the harness and was killed. The victim remained in the harness and was safely rescued.
For more information, visit www.sotx.org/rwth.
