Each September, our country is reminded of the devastation that changed our world forever on 9/11. As a way of remembering all the first responders of 9/11, as well as honor those who protect us daily here in Palm Beach County, the Rotary Club of Wellington is calling for runners and walkers of all ages to take part in the inaugural “Race for the Red and Blue First Responders 5K” on Saturday, Sept. 8 at 7:30 a.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater.
“These first responders go out every day, never knowing if they’ll come home or not, or what they’ll be facing,” Rotarian and race organizer Larry Kemp said. “On 9/11, firefighters went running toward the flames and smoke while everyone was running away. So, it’s an honor for us to do this.”
The race, previously known as the Jeff Annas Memorial 5K, in honor of a fallen Palm Beach County paramedic, attracted as many as 1,000 runners.
“The Jeff Annas race was one of the biggest 5K races in South Florida. We want to take it back to that and make it even bigger,” Kemp said. “I’m not sure we’ll do that this year, because the runners don’t know us yet, but we’re hopeful.”
The Rotary Club of Wellington has been getting the word out across Palm Beach County.
“We’re expecting a crowd of 500 to 700 people for our first year,” said Dr. Jonathan Chung, another Rotarian who is joining Kemp as a race organizer. “We’re doing everything in our power to meet their standards.”
There will be age group awards from over 18 to 70 and up.
“We’ll have some really high-quality finishers’ medals,” Chung said. “No matter where you finish the race, you’re going to get a really nice medal. Our top finishers for the top three racers are going to have a pretty sizable trophy to take home with them.”
There’s also a division for 18 and under, so kids are able to race if they want to. Pre-registration is ongoing through Friday, Sept. 7. It’s $40 for adults and $30 for participants under 18. Registration will be accepted on race day, but the price will go up $5.
For those who have children, but no sitter — no problem. There will be the “kids corral,” which opens at 6:30 a.m. inside the Wellington Community Center to provide childcare. There will be games, movies and kid-friendly food. No registration is required.
“They can drop off the kids, go run the race and be back, and the kids will be in good hands.” Chung said.
The race route starts at the Wellington Amphitheater, heads out to South Shore Blvd., will take a path down South Shore and loop back around toward the amphitheater again.
“It’s a fast course, because it’s going to be pretty much on all open road,” Chung said. “It’s going to shut down South Shore for the race.”
The event will be a professionally timed race. “It’s certified as a legitimate 5K course, and runners can mark their time with a great deal of accuracy, as we’re using the AccuChip company as our partner,” Chung said.
There will be a presence from both the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue, with PBSO motorcycles leading the way, as well as fire trucks and ambulances. Some first responders even run in their gear, as many do across the nation in honor of 9/11.
The Rotary Club of Wellington secured a number of sponsors and hopes to raise as much as $40,000 to support local first responders in the PBSO and PBCFR, as well as several Wellington Rotary charities.
“I’ve been a first responder in Palm Beach County for 30 years, and I’m always humbled and blessed to serve the citizens of the Palm Beach County,” PBCFR Division Chief Richard Ellis said. “It always makes me feel good personally when other organizations, agencies or individuals reach out and give us support. It means a lot.”
The agency plans to use the money it gets toward its Fire-Rescue Cadet Program.
“It’s a way for younger kids to really get engaged in the fire department at a young age from eighth grade all the way up to senior in high school,” Ellis explained. “They get exposed, ride on the fire trucks and get to learn some of our procedures. So, the money will be used to help purchase them gear and all the things they may need.”
PBSO Chief Deputy Michael Gauger said his agency is extremely appreciative of all the work that the Wellington Rotary does for the community, including the PBSO.
“We have a lot of support in the community. People continuously go out of their way to help law enforcement and fire-rescue,” Gauger said. “Money raised will go to the Law Enforcement Assistance Foundation, which helps officers who are injured or killed in the line of duty.”
Helping to raise that money are many sponsors, including: Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, the Winter Equestrian Festival/Bellissimo Family, Palms West Hospital, the South Florida Fair, the original Wellington Mall, the Palm Beach Kennel Club, Medivalue, MedExpress, Oil Change Services, Florida Public Utilities, Premier Family Health, Caregiver Services, ESPN 106.3 FM, Florida Crystals, Retreat of the Palm Beaches, Grand Champions Polo Club/Ganzi Family, Jess Santamaria, the Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute, and Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith.
Kemp began securing sponsorships in April, and he is still working to reach the fundraising goal for the two agencies. “We’re lucky we have them out there doing what they do for us,” he said.
Chung added that it is very important to recognize local first responders. “The people doing this job — they aren’t doing it for praise,” he said. “They’re doing it because it’s something they believe in and they hold with high value. Even if they don’t want the praise… we’re going to give it to them anyway.”
For race and sponsorship information, visit www.wellington5k.com.
