The California Police Athletic Federation (CPAF), a non-profit organization committed to promoting sport and physical fitness among first responders, has announced the inception of the North American Fall Classic and the return of the First Responder’s Relay. The North American Fall Classic and First Responder’s Relay are two of four events that the California Police Athletic Federation presents in addition to the bi-annual World Police & Fire Games and annual US Police & Fire Championships. Both competitions are expected to draw hundreds of first responders from across the globe.

In response to persistent requests across the North America region to expand programming globally, the North American Fall Classic was established by CPAF in 2023. Open to first responders from across North America, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the new competition will feature eight different events: basketball, Brazilian Jiu jitsu, cornhole, flag football, pickleball, soccer, baseball, and softball. The games will take place at Legacy Park, in Mesa, AZ, Wednesday Nov.  1, through Sunday Nov. 5. Athletes from law enforcement, firefighters (including volunteer or part time), emergency medical technicians, custom and correctional officers, as well as full-time employees (active and retired) of any eligible agency or organization in the capacity of 9-1-1 dispatchers, detention-custodial officers, crime scene investigators, or lifeguards are invited to participate in the North American Fall Classic.

In addition, CPAF is presenting the third annual First Responder’s Relay in Las Vegas on Saturday Oct. 14. This event is open to first responder personnel from throughout the United States and the world representing law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, customs, and correctional officers. The relay is broken up into nine categories, including an Open Division, Mixed Division, Women Division, Senior Division, 500 Division, 250 Division, Station/Division, Support Services Division, and Support Services Mixed Division.

The 50-mile race will start and finish at the Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort and Spa, with each stage of the relay ranging from 4.0 miles to 7.7 miles. Runners will follow the track from Las Vegas Parkway to the River Mountains Loop Trail and then return to an Award Ceremony at the Hilton. The overall fastest team will be awarded The Duke Nyhus/Bob Burke perpetual trophy to honor their athleticism and dedication to personal fitness. Registration is currently open, and athletes can register here. Additionally, more information on division requirements can be found here.

“Following a successful run of the 2023 US Police & Fire Championships in San Diego, we are excited to kick off our fall events for first responders,” says Larry Collins, president of the California Police Athletic Federation. “Our mission is to encourage both physical and mental wellness among first responders and the inaugural North American Fall Classic, along with the return of the highly competitive First Responder Relay, will do just that. Our competitions draw athletes from across the globe and after tremendous demand, we couldn’t be happier to introduce the North American Fall Classic, which will be open to competitors across North America.”

To learn more about the California Police Athletic Federation and its games, please visit www.cpaf.org

About the California Police Athletic Federation

The California Police Athletic Federation (CPAF), a non-profit organization established in 1970, is the governing body for the United States Police & Fire Championships, the World Police & Fire Games, and the new First Responders Relay. The mission of CPAF is to promote sport and physical fitness among personnel representing law enforcement, fire, corrections, probation, border protection, immigration, and customs. For more information, please visit www.cpaf.org