Lace ’em up
The Cape Coral Police Department is once again challenging residents of the community to try to outrun a cop at the 7th Annual Cape Cops 5K Run/Walk.
Presented by Fuccillo Kia, the event will take place at 7:30 a.m. May 18 at the Cape Coral Yacht Club. Race day registration begins at 6:30 a.m. After the 5K, a Kids Fun Run will be hosted free of charge for children under 12.
Chip timing will be provided by the Fort Myers Track Club.
The event coincides with National Police Memorial Week, May 12-18.
“We do it as a fund-raiser for a local fund for fallen, injured and disabled police officers in Lee County,” CCPD Master Cpl. Georgeann Lytle said.
Lytle, who serves as director of the race, explained that the proceeds go into the Cape Cops 5K Fund. Last year, the event raised just under $8,000.
“We’d like to exceed last year, so we’re shooting for over $8,000,” she said.
In 2012, there were about 350 people who participated in the event.
“I would love to be over 400,” Lytle said of this year’s goal.
“We’ve been growing every year for the last three years, so I’m hoping this year we hit the big mark,” she added.
Advance registration – deadline of May 17 – is $25 for adults and $15 for ages 18 and under. To register the day of the event, the entry fee is $35.
The registration fee includes a free tech shirt and a race bag filled with goodies, as well as post-race snacks and refreshments for refueling.
“We always like to obviously encourage physical fitness,” Lytle said. “But, I think it’s just a good way for the community to interact with the officers.”
As always, participating law enforcement officers will be wearing shirts with the phrase, “Have you tried to outrun a cop lately?” for encouragement.
“I think it’s kind of fun to pick out your target and say, ‘I’m going to outrun that officer,'” she said.
The Kids Fun Run will immediately follow the 5K event.
“There’s no pre-registration for that. They can just show up,” Lytle said.
Participating children will receive a goodie bag and race medal.
“There’s not much you can do with your child that’s free anymore,” she said.
“It’s just a fun way to get the community interacting with the police department,” Lytle added.
Last year, more than 40 children took part.
Participants are urged to arrive early because of parking, and hydrating before the race is suggested. Drinks will be available along the course. The track winds through nearby neighborhoods before returning to the club.
“The awards will be held right after the race,” she said.
Trophies will be handed out for overall male and female, masters, grand masters and senior grand masters. Medals will also be given in several age groups, as well as in several age groups for those who walk the course.
Unregistered runners, pets, bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades and skates, and baby joggers are prohibited from participating in the 5K Run/Walk.
The CCPD’s SWAT team will be on site for the event.
“A SWAT display with the SWAT van,” Lytle said.
“Almost the whole SWAT team is participating in the race,” she added.
To register in advance, visit online at: www.ftmyerstrackclub.com.
A form can also be printed from the Web site and dropped off at the Cape Coral Police Department or mailed to the Fort Myers Track Club, at P.O. Box 60131, Fort Myers, FL 33906-6131. Make checks payable to the “FMTC.”
When registering by mail, forms should be postmarked by May 10.
“They can also register in person at the Police Department on May 17 between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. and they can also pick up their race packet,” Lytle said.
Those pre-registered before May 17 also can get their packets then.
Packets will be available on race day for those who need them.
“It’s better they pick them up the day before cause that way they’re guaranteed the shirt size that they want,” she said.
The Cape Coral Police Department is at 1100 Cultural Park Blvd., S.
The Cape Coral Yacht Club is at 5819 Driftwood Parkway.
For more information about the Annual Cape Cops 5K Run/Walk, visit: www.ftmyerstrackclub.com. The event is also on Facebook and Twitter.