GAINESVILLE, Ga. (Jan. 25, 2021) – Ever wonder what it’d feel like to run alongside your heroes? Now’s your chance!
As part of the 2021 Georgia Police & Fire Games, hosted by the City of Gainesville June 20-26, the public is encouraged to sign up for the Red & Blue 5K and walk or run alongside Georgia’s community heroes: participating firefighters and law enforcement officers. The 5K is slated for 8 a.m. Sunday, June 20, in Roosevelt Square in downtown Gainesville.
“While we’re thrilled to welcome public safety personnel from all over Georgia to participate in the games, we’re equally excited to open the Red & Blue 5K to the public,” said Gainesville Tourism Director Robyn Lynch. “Several of the games will be open to spectators wishing to cheer on their favorite athlete(s) and department(s), but this unique opportunity will enable the community to get involved and experience part of the games for themselves.”
Registration for the games, slated at various venues across Gainesville-Hall County, officially opened Friday, Jan. 15. Members of the community interested in the 5K may sign up using the same portal for all games: https://gainesvillega.governmentwindow.com/estore/georgia-police-and-fire-games.html. Red & Blue 5K registration and waiver forms may also be filled out from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at the Gainesville Visitor Center, located on the first floor of the Gainesville Administration Building on the downtown campus.
Registration costs $30, which confirms the participant’s entry into the 5K, as well as a limited-edition Red & Blue 5K T-shirt. Submit your entry forms as soon as possible to guarantee receipt of a T-shirt in your size.
The Gainesville Administration Building is located at 300 Henry Ward Way, Gainesville. Free parking is available outside the south entrance (entrance closest to Historic Gainesville City Hall), as well as in the Main Street Parking Deck and Hall County Parking Facility.
About the 2021 Georgia Police & Fire Games
The City of Gainesville announced in April 2020 it was chosen to host the 2021 and 2022 Georgia Police & Fire Games, which draws competitors from every corner of the state whose careers have been devoted to public safety. The Georgia Police & Fire Games are open to all salaried law enforcement officers and firefighters, active or retired, from all over Georgia.
The 2021 event schedule features challenges, including but not limited to, a 5K race, Tactical Drone Ops and flag football; to a bass-fishing tournament, CrossFit and archery. Athletes can sign up for more traditional competitions such as golf, basketball or tennis, or try their hand at more daring activities, like the Sniper Competition/Long Range Rifle, Pistol Match and Motorcycle Rodeo categories. By the end of it, the city will have also announced winners in the Toughest Cop, Toughest Firefighter and Toughest Competitor categories.
Residents and visitors should plan to support the men and women who serve their city, county and state daily as they go head to head in friendly competition during the games, details for which can be found at gapoliceandfiregames.com/events-schedule.To register for the 2021 Georgia Police & Fire Games, and to confirm your eligibility, visit gapoliceandfiregames.com.
Those interested in volunteering for the Georgia Police & Fire Games or becoming an event sponsor may contact Lynch by calling 770-297-5499.
