For the Gazette
WISCONSIN RAPIDS – On Oct. 7, Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes and community members will “Run with the Cops” once again for this annual 5k Run/Walk. The Wisconsin Rapids Run with the Cops will take place at the Moravian Church (310 1st Ave S) and will raise funds for Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes.

This fun and unique night run allows for participants to illuminate the course with their flashing and glow items. Law enforcement vehicles will also be there to help light up the course. On-site registration and packet pick-up for the event will begin at 4:00 p.m. There will be a Kids Dash at 6:00 p.m. and the 5k Run/Walk will then start at 6:30 p.m. Throughout the night, law enforcement will have emergency vehicles to tour and SWAT gear to try on.

Members of the Wisconsin Rapids PD, the Wood County Sheriff’s Office, Wood County Dispatch, and the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Wisconsin have organized this event to unite the community and raise funds for Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes.

“Flashing squad cars will light up the night on this amazing course and runners will cross the finish line ‘glowing’ from head to toe with glow necklaces, bracelets and more,” said Joe Seubert, Special Olympics Wisconsin’s Director of Development & LETR. “This is such a fun way to support our athletes. And it’s great for all ages and abilities too. You don’t even have to be a runner to join in the fun.”
The cost is $25 to participate in the 5K run/walk and $15 for the Kid’s Dash. Each runner/walker will receive a T-shirt. Registration for Run with the Cops is available online at www.runwithcops.org. Once registered, participants can start collecting pledges from family, friends, neighbors, professors, employers, etc.

Special Olympics Wisconsin is proud to partner with Woodtrust, Prevail, Eye Clinic of WI, Coldwell Banker, WI Rapids Prof. Police Association, Liam’s Park LLC, Erbes Construction, Putt & Play, Dairy Queen, Spranger & Sachs, 8th Street Auto, Willy’s Home Renovations, SafeWay Bus, Members Advantage Credit Union, Dunkin’, Crockett Septic and City Times for the 2021 Wisconsin Rapids Run With The Cops.