Halloween-themed 5K Run/Walk to Benefit Crime Reward Fund

If your loved one was attacked or killed and the case remained unsolved, you would be desperate for information leading to an arrest.  Sometimes a reward fund can coax witnesses to come forward and help solve a case.

“It means that somebody cares and it’s hope that the case will be solved,” said Sally Cox, executive director for San Diego County Crime Stoppers non-profit organization. “Knowing the community is invested in getting the case solved means the world to people.”

Here is your chance to take part in a fun run/walk that will help raise money for the Crime Stoppers Felony Crime Reward Fund which could bring some justice to grieving families.

Lace up your running or walking shoes, throw on a costume if you dare, and join San Diego County Crime Stoppers, San Diego County Sheriff’s deputies,  and other local law enforcement for the 26th annual Light the Night Against Crime 5K Run/Walk in Balboa Park this Saturday night. At least 1,400 law enforcement officers and their families are among those taking part in the 5K.

To join them, sign up online or download an application at http://sdcrimestoppers.com/lightthenightagainstcrime.html.  Registration is $33 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and under. Registration goes up to $35 for adults on the day of the race. 

This year’s race is dedicated to the memory of San Diego Police Officer Christopher Wilson, who was killed in the line of duty on Oct. 27, 2010. San Diego County Sheriff’s Sgt. Craig Johnson and Detective Ali Perez, who were both shot on duty in September, will also be honored.

Despite the serious undertone of the fundraiser, the event is intended to be fun and kid-friendly. Some 3,000 people are expected to participate including 500 kids, said Cox.

The course starts at Balboa Medical Center and is flat looping Park Boulevard. A kids run starts at 6:15 p.m. and the adult race starts at 7 p.m. A Halloween-themed event expo with a kid zone that includes face painting, music, rock climbing and a pumpkin patch will kick off at 5 p.m. and the post-race party will go until 10 p.m.  A costume contest with prizes will take place at 8:30 p.m.

“Most of our volunteers and some of the teams are people who’ve been affected by crime,” said Cox. “It’s a way to honor their loved one and also a way to go out and have fun and support a good cause.”