The 15th edition of the race occurs Sunday, Oct. 26 in Middletown. It raises money for organizations that provide law enforcement members with critical resources.
MIDDLETOWN, Conn. — A celebration of the law enforcement professionals who serve and protect communities across the state will take place on Sunday, Oct. 26 in Middletown.
It’s the 15th annual Connecticut Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Run, an event organized by a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to honoring law enforcement officers and supporting their families through fundraising and awareness.
An emphasis is placed on remembering fallen officers and ensuring that their family members remain supported year after year.
The 5K event will occur at the historic Wadsworth Mansion and bring together hundreds of runners, community members and law enforcement members to support those who protect and serve.
Since its inception, the CTLEOMR nonprofit has raised over $100,000 for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and Concerns of Police Survivors. Both organizations exist to offer important resources to law enforcement officers and their families nationwide.
Up to 500 participants are expected, including many law enforcement personnel from local, state and federal agencies. Hundreds more spectators and volunteers will be on hand as well, contributing to one of the region’s most impactful runs.
Brian Barao, a youth unit sergeant with the Glastonbury Police Department, serves as a race director. He said the annual effort has been a “labor of love for 15 years” and that those who help make the event happen are proud of what has been accomplished.
Barao and his team go above and beyond to showcase the race and help it grow. He explained why the time investment is so significant and worthwhile.
“With the growth of the race comes more funds for the organizations we donate to who work to support the families of fallen officers,” Barao said. “Just as important, with the growth of the race comes awareness and well-deserved honor for our state’s fallen heroes and their survivors, the family and friends behind the badge, who have lost not just an officer but a loved one.”
Sign up for the FOX61 newsletters: Morning Forecast, Morning Headlines, Evening Headlines
The event is organized by a small but dedicated team of directors, including police officers and criminal justice researchers.
Barao acknowledged that there have been ups and downs over the past decade-and-half, the same way that the course has rolling hills. The nonprofit has experienced location changes, tight budget years and more rainy race days than were preferable.
That hasn’t slowed the momentum, however, as the race continues to expand thanks to its sponsors, volunteers and supporters.
“No matter what, every year on race day, it’s all worth it when we see hundreds of our dedicated runners, the majority of which are law enforcement officers representing agencies from all over the state,” Barao said.
He added that the organizers work hard to make the event possible because it’s for local police officers, their families and their friends.
“Most importantly, it’s for the survivors of fallen officers, who come out and see firsthand the support of the Connecticut law enforcement family,” Barao said. “On race day, we honor the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice while also recognizing the service of those who continue to protect our communities.”
This year, CTLEOMR has also established a new partnership with Concentric Brewing in Portland, which will host the official post-race party. Runners and supporters are welcome to gather immediately following the 5K for food, beverages, music, raffles and community fellowship.
Runners who are interested in participating can register online here.
Sponsorship and donation opportunities are available too. All race registration proceeds will directly benefit the nonprofits previously listed.
RELATED: 10th Annual CT Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Run held in Middletown
RELATED: Cyclists honor fallen Connecticut officers by riding from Springfield to Hartford
Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com.
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on Year: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.
FOLLOW US ON X, FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM
