KLETC hosts inaugural 5K, 1-mile event supporting fentanyl awareness

HUTCHINSON — More than 120 runners gathered at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center on April 18, braving a chilly morning to support fentanyl awareness efforts.

In partnership with the Wichita Metro Crime Commission, KLETC hosted its first Law Enforcement Against Fentanyl 5K race and 1-mile walk. The event took place on the center’s Emergency Vehicle Operator Course, offering participants a rare opportunity to run on the training track.

Crystal Most of Hutchinson won the women’s 5K with a time of 24:43, followed by Erika Sulzman of Wichita and Monica Weeks of Hutchinson. In the men’s 5K, Logan Wickey of Hutchinson finished first in 18:11, with Brett Vieyra of Hutchinson and Clifton Miller of Sterling rounding out the top three.

In the 1-mile race, Ciana Davis of Augusta led the women’s division with a time of 9:32, followed by Cooper Lamb and Melissa Daughty. Tim Daughty III of Wichita won the men’s division in 8:34, finishing ahead of his brother, Jaxon Daughty, and Dawson Jacks of Clearwater.

The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office had the largest law enforcement presence in the race and earned a traveling trophy, which will be contested again next year.

Proceeds from the event will support the Teen Summit, an educational program for middle school students focused on fentanyl awareness.

Several public safety agencies also participated in the event, including the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, Reno County Sheriff’s Office, South Hutchinson Fire Department and the Kansas Highway Patrol. Agencies brought patrol vehicles, helicopters, armored rescue vehicles and fire trucks, giving attendees an up-close look at emergency response equipment.

“We wanted to offer something different for runners,” said Gary Steed, co-race director. “Instead of a traditional park course, this gave participants a chance to run somewhere unique. It’s wide open, flat and turned out to be a great course for a 5K.”

Alvin Sowers, associate director of KLETC, said the event also helped strengthen connections between law enforcement and the community.

“This gives the community a chance to see what law enforcement is about — how we train, what we do, and even that we’re here,” Sowers said. “It also allows us to bring in our partners and showcase the collaboration that goes into public safety.”

Organizers plan to expand the event next year, continuing to bring law enforcement and the community together.