By FireRescue1 Staff
SAN DIEGO — The California Police Athletic Federation (CPAF) has announced the establishment of the North American Fall Classic and the return of the First Responder’s Relay in the fall season. These events represent two of four events that the CPAF presents in addition to the bi-annual World Police & Fire Games and annual U.S. Police & Fire Championships.
Open to first responders from across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the North American Fall Classic will offer eight sporting events, including basketball, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, cornhole, flag football, pickleball, soccer, baseball and softball. The Olympic-style games will take place at Legacy Park, in Mesa, Arizona, from Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023, through Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023.
Athletes who are law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, customs and correctional officers, as well as full-time employees (active and retired) of any eligible agency or organization in the capacity of 911 dispatchers, detention officers, crime scene investigators, or lifeguards are invited to participate in the event.
The third-annual First Responder’s Relay will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. The 50-mile relay face is broken up into nine categories that include an Open Division, Mixed Division, Women’s Division, Senior Division, 500 Division, 250 Division, Station/Division, Support Services Division, and Support Services Mixed Division.
The race will start and finish at the Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort and Spa, with each stage of the relay ranging from 4.0-7.7 miles. The overall fastest team will be awarded the Duke Nyhus/Bob Burke perpetual trophy to honor their athleticism and dedication to personal fitness.
“Following a successful run of the 2023 U.S. Police & Fire Championships in San Diego, we are excited to kick off our fall events for first responders,” CPAF President Larry Collins said. “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.”
Registration is currently open, and athletes can register here. Additionally, more information on division requirements can be found here.
The CPAF is a nonprofit organization focused on promoting sport and physical fitness among first responders.