Behind the Badge
The popular Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay is among the latest significant public events to shut down due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The annual 120-mile B2V, hailed as “the largest foot pursuit in the world,” attracts some 260 law enforcement teams from around the world and 8,000 runners, staff and supporters. Each team has 20 runners and four backup runners.
The event organizers posted an announcement on social media last night, noting that “we are in discussions to move our event to the Fall of this year.”
It was scheduled for April 4 and 5.
Starting in Baker, California and ending in Las Vegas, Nevada, law enforcement officers from around the globe have battled it out every Spring since 1985 for the chance of winning the coveted cup trophy. This is the first time since 1987, when a blizzard forced organizers to halt the race at leg 14, the race was cancelled or postponed.
Last year, Anaheim PD and Santa Ana PD renewed their crosstown rivalry, with SAPD picking up the better time and a new trophy.
Anaheim Police Chief Jorge Cisneros, left, and Santa Ana Police Chief David Valentin talk as Chief Valentin holds the new annual cross-town rivalry trophy that Santa Ana PD gets bragging rights to hold onto untill next year’s Baker to Vegas Race.
File photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
The 20-runner SAPD team, with a finish of 13:59:53 in the Open Division, bested the APD (14:06:13) to reclaim bragging rights.
“Baker to Vegas is the event that brings law enforcement officers together from all across California and beyond,” Tom Dominguez, president of the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs told BehindTheBadge.com last year. “Runners and supporters look forward to the race each year for some healthy competition, connection and camaraderie. A good time is just about guaranteed.”
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