The California Police Athletic Federation (CPAF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting physical fitness and camaraderie among first responders, announces the return of the First Responders Relay, taking place on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Ventura, California.

Now in its sixth year, the relay will once again bring together teams of first responders from across the United States and around the world for a one-of-a-kind competition celebrating teamwork, wellness, and service.

Hosted at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, the six-person, 30-mile relay begins and ends along Ventura's picturesque coastline, following a scenic route that travels north along the Promenade, Pacific Coast Highway, and bike trail to Rincon Point before returning to the finish line.

Designed to challenge participants while showcasing Southern California's coastal beauty, the event continues to foster the camaraderie and friendly competition that have made it a signature CPAF tradition.

"We're excited to welcome first responder teams back to Ventura for another incredible year of competition and fellowship," said Jim King, President of the California Police Athletic Federation. "The First Responders Relay is about much more than crossing the finish line, it's an opportunity to strengthen relationships, promote health and wellness, and honor the commitment that first responders demonstrate every day while serving their communities."

Relay Open to Eligible First Responders

The relay is open to eligible first responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, customs officers, and correctional officers, as well as qualified retirees and separated employees with at least 10 years of service.

Teams will compete across nine divisions: Open, Mixed, Women, Senior, 500, 250, Station/Division, Support Services and Support Services Mixed. Support personnel, including dispatchers, crime scene investigators, detention officers, reserve officers, volunteer firefighters and other approved frontline personnel, are also eligible to participate in designated divisions.

Following the race, participants and spectators are invited to attend the awards ceremony at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, where the fastest overall team will receive the prestigious Duke Nyhus/Bob Burke Perpetual Trophy, recognizing excellence in first responder athletics. Additional awards will be presented across multiple race divisions.

Registration Now Underway

Registration is now open, with the relay limited to the first 100 paid teams. Each six-person team will receive commemorative race shirts, event souvenirs, and the opportunity to compete against first responder agencies from across the country. Spectator admission is free.

For registration information, eligibility requirements, race details, or hotel accommodations, please visit the event website.

The First Responders Relay is one of three premier events organized by CPAF, which also produces the United States Police & Fire Championships and the World Police & Fire Games. To learn more about the California Police Athletic Federation and its events, visit its website.