“120 miles of pavement, 20 stages, over 8,000 runners, guests, family members, and support staff. Hot days and cold nights.  Blood. Sweat. Pride. Honor…..”

On March 19th and 20th, 2016 a team of over two dozen runners and staff from Citrus Heights and Folsom police departments will be part of their 2nd Challenge Cup Relay - Baker to Vegas Race between Baker, Calif., and Las Vegas, Nev.

Started in 1985 by two Los Angeles police officers, Chuck Foote and Larry Moore, the Baker to Vegas Race helps police organizations raise funds to support their local community programs. According to the Folsom Police Foundation website: “Police organizations from all over the United States form relay teams to compete in the 120 mile run that encompasses 20 stages in the grueling heat of the day and the desert cold at night. The Folsom Police Department and Citrus Heights Police Department have once again joined forces to enter a team to raise proceeds for the Folsom Police Foundation and Citrus Heights Police Activities League.”

A Blackjack Tournament fundraiser to help fund the team’s participation in the race will take place on Feb. 4th, 2016 at Stones Gambling Hall in Citrus Heights. The tournament will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. A $40 fee includes appetizers and the tournament. To register to the event call 727-5500 or go to http://www.citrusheightspal.com/blackjack-tournament.html.

In 2015 the Citrus Heights/Folsom team finished 167 out of 262 teams overall. Each department provides an equal number of runners plus alternates. Their time was 18:17:07 over the 120 mile course. In the mixed category the team finished 18 out 27 teams. The mixed division teams are comprised of only police officers and have at least five women running.

For more information on the race visit http://bakervegas.net/about-us/race-history/.