WATCH: Record Number of Runners Show Support for Police

SAN ANGELO, TX — A record number of runners and walkers participated in he fifth annual Run With the Blue 5K and one mile fun run as part of Police Memorial Week benefiting San Angelo Crime Stoppers Wednesday. 

With temperatures hoovering in the upper 90s, approximately 180 runners and walkers signed up to show support for law enforcement officers at the fundraiser at the San Angelo Police Department downtown. 

Watch video from the run:

The top three runners in each age category received medals and there were many parents running with their children.  Organizers said about half the runners braved the heat and ran the 3.1 mile 5K while the other half ran or walked the one mile course.  SAPD motorcycle officers blocked traffic as runners made their way from the Police Station down to the River Walk along the Concho River by the statues of the Lady in Blue past Celebration Bridge and the Bosque to Santa Fe Golf Course.  Runners turned at the Beauregard St. bridge around the golf course and followed the same route back to the finish line.  

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as Police Week.  

The San Angelo Police Department planned several events to honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.  

Monday there was a Flag Raising Ceremony at Police Headquarters, 401 E. Beauregard.

Wednesday they held Coffee With at the Cactus Hotel and the Running With The Blue 5K – 1 Mile Run/Walk at 6:30 p.m. at Police Headquarters and Friday there will be an Ecumenical Service at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 32 N. Irving.  

Run with the Blue is a fundraiser for San Angelo Crime Stoppers which is a program that involves the public, the media and the police which allows informants to remain anonymous when they provide information about crime to police.  If a caller's information results in the arrest and indictment of a felony crime offender, they can receive a reward in cash.