The Metropolitan Division of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) will sponsor the third annual Randy Simmons 5K Challenge Run in honor of their fallen comrade, SWAT Officer Randal Simmons, who was killed while trying to rescue civilians from a suicidal hostage-taker in Feb. 2008.
The Challenge Run will begin at 8 a.m. on Oct. 16, from the LAPD’s Elysian Park Police Academy and wind through the Elysian Park area, ending back at the academy.
The run is open to all law enforcement personnel and community members of all ages who would like to take part in a fun and challenging event that raises funds to further the work Simmons began as a minister in the city of Carson and a LAPD officer.
Internet registration for this event will be open until 3 p.m. on Oct. 14. After that, individuals who wish to participate, must register at the event location on the day of the race. Entry fees are $25, if registration is completed by Oct. 7 and $30 thereafter.
There will also be a fitness challenge immediately following the 5K run. Entree fees for the fitness challenge are $15 per person or $30 for a four-person team.
Each registered participant will receive a commemorative T-shirt and medals will be awarded to the top three males, and top three females in each age group. Medals will also be awarded to the top three fitness challenge teams in the law enforcement and non-law enforcement categories.
Officer Simmons devoted his off-duty time to helping youth in troubled areas throughout South Central Los Angeles. The Randal D. Simmons Outreach Foundation was established to continue Simmons legacy of working with those in need.
The Randal D. Simmons Outreach Foundation is a 501c (3) non profit corporation which was created and founded by his wife, Lisa T. Simmons. Her goal was to establish a foundation in his name that would best honor her husband as well as continue his legacy.
The foundation’s primary goals are to empower the community in the areas of economic development, education, health and wellness and global outreach. These goals are achieved by seeking support from the community, leaders, corporations and other organizations.
Registration for this event can be completed by going to www.active.com and typing in keyword “Randy Simmons.”
For additional information, contact Sgt. Al Labrada or Officer Alicia Alcantar at (213) 972-2420.
