The Jacksonville Police Department will host its 13th annual Running with the Law races in August to benefit the N.C. Special Olympics.
The event will kick off at 6 p.m. on Aug. 4 at Riverwalk Park in downtown Jacksonville, where race participants will have the chance to take part in the 5K, 10K or 1-mile fun run.
Law enforcement officers from a variety of agencies are expected to participate, and all proceeds will benefit the N.C. Special Olympics, which has a longstanding relationship with area law enforcement, said Sarah Sinese, JPD public affairs coordinator.
“We are excited to return to downtown Jacksonville for this year’s Running with the Law Sunset Pursuit,” said Jacksonville Police Chief Ashley Weaver. “We have switched up the routes a little and incorporated food trucks. This is a family-friendly event that allows people of all abilities to participate.
“We hope our citizens will join us as we support a great cause.”
Runners can pick up their race packets on Aug. 3 from noon to 7 p.m. at Fleet Feet, 1154 Western Blvd. in Jacksonville, or at the downtown Riverwalk Park main stage on race day. Race day check-in and registration will also take place at the main stage at 5 p.m.
Running with the Law is JPD’s opening event leading to National Night Out, a night for residents and local police to celebrate community and foster safe practices in the city, Sinese said.
This year’s National Night Out will take place on Oct. 10 from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Jacksonville Recreation Center, 100 Recreation Lane. National Night Out is free to the public and includes various forms of entertainment, a bike raffle, food vendors, displays, fireworks and other activities.