Badges, Boots, and Running Shoes: First Responders Hit the Trail for Charity
- Abigail Muniz-Garcia
- Sep 26
- 3 min read
(This article was written by Abigail Muniz-Garcia and was featured in the October 2025 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine.)
Lace up your running shoes. On Sunday, October 19 at 8 am sharp, the 11th Annual Run with the Heroes 5K will kick off at Arroyo Park Hike and Bike Trail in Harlingen.
District Representative Officer Benito Bravo of the Harlingen Police Department is excited about the upcoming event. This year proceeds from the 5K run will be donated to Make-A-Wish Rio Grande Valley.
“All the funds that we raise, they all stay here, in the Rio Grande Valley to help out the children who are having medical issues,” Bravo said.
Ten years ago, the Harlingen Police Department started a nonprofit organization called The Harlingen Police Education and Community Fund. They coordinate three charity events throughout the year with this 5K run being the second event of the year (the first is the CBA State BBQ Championship in June; the third is the upcoming “Shop with a Cop” discussed further in this article).
In the past, about 400 runners have attended the event and Bravo says they hope to have as many participants this year. The first 400 to cross the finish line will receive a finisher’s medal, which is usually handed out by a local first responder.
“Since it’s called Run with the Heroes put on by us, the Harlingen Police Department, we reach out to other police agencies and federal agencies and first responders… and they help us put on this event, they assist us and we make it happen,” he said.
Bravo also commented on how, not only do first responders take part in the event by cheering on runners at the finish line, but some also even run alongside participants in their uniforms and all. From SWAT team members to firefighters wearing their uniform including their tanks, Bravo said it’s definitely something that isn’t seen every day.
“It’s a pretty neat thing that goes on,” he said. “We do encourage all law enforcement to attend. I know a bunch of our Harlingen Police Officers do take part in the run.”
The event will begin at 7:30 am with Jo-Jo of FM 100 KTEX, the emcee, making announcements and introductions of the chief of police and Make-A-Wish.
The $35 registration fee includes a running shirt. This year, the first 250 runners who sign up for the race will also snag a pair of custom socks. The knee-high socks feature the Harlingen Police Department badge logo and an American flag. The registration fee is discounted at $30 for first responders and children 14 years and younger. There will also be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies for the top three runners in seven age divisions.
The Harlingen Police Department stays busy throughout the year with several other community and charity events. The next charity event coming up during the holiday season is “Shop with a Cop,” an initiative that, in partnership with Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District (HCISD), benefits 85 HCISD students from financially unsecured homes. It allows these students to go on a shopping spree with a police officer right around the holidays as well as receive a fully cooked meal for Thanksgiving.
“We are definitely very busy throughout the year, especially from September through the end of the year… it’s busy, busy,” Bravo said, referencing trunk or treats, national nights out, and other events the city puts on.
In the meantime, Bravo invites the public to come out and support the race.
“Join in with the first responders and support the cause,” he said.
For more information, follow the Harlingen Police Department on Facebook where you can find the link to register for the run through Athlete Guild.
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