2nd Annual Randy Simmons 5K Challenge Run

OCTOBER 17, 2024 – In the early morning hours, hundreds of runners gathered at the Los Angeles Police Academy in Elysian Park for the second running of the Randy Simmons 5K Challenge.  The program commenced with the widow of the late Officer Simmons, Lisa Simmons, offering her sincere gratitude for everyone’s participation and willingness to keep his memory alive.

With the sound of the gun the runners began what would be a 3.1 mile trek through the hills behind Dodger Stadium.  Runners consisted of family members and former co-workers of Randy, Department employees, Sheriff and Fire Department employees and civilians.  Some of the participants ran in “platoon” formation and carried their unit flag.

The race concluded on the Police Academy athletic field where runner’s times were recorded and their photo was taken.  The top three runners from each category were awarded medals for their performance.  Many of the participants took the time to meet with the Simmons family members in attendance.  With a noticeably larger turnout for this event then last year, the memory of Officer Simmons is sure to live on for years to come.

All the proceeds raised from the event will benefit the Randal Simmons Foundation.  The Randall Simmons Foundation is a faith based non-profit organization dedicating to continuing the legacy of Officer Randal Simmons through empowering and encouraging families in underserved areas.

To view additional photos from the event, please visit the LAPD Sports Page.

Comments

[Mirka]

Very nice. You guys should advertise your sport events a bit more so general public can also participate.

[Jennie]

This is a spectacular race. It's the best course I know of as it is challenging and pretty. There were many more people there this year and as word of mouth spreads about how challenging the course is, the race is going to get even bigger.

I agree with Mirka but would like to say that a number of members of the general public participated, you can't get more general than me and there were a number of others there not associated with the LAPD. Now there is always room for more advertising but the organizers did a better job at advertising it this year as I saw the information in quite a few different places and I am sure that they are always open to suggestions as to how to improve getting the word out.

If I'm not mistaken the organizers all have regular jobs and still manage to pull of a well organized race and when I needed more information Alicia was very willing to answer questions and send me a flyer. Really, it is impressive as to how these individuals put in the time and effort to pull this event together.

Hopefully as the event grows, this race will come to include not only many members of the LAPD as this year had, but also more civilians going out there to support a good cause, memorialize a good man, and to in general show support to the members of the LAPD.

Cannot stress enough that this is really a great race.