Challenging.  That is one word used to describe the Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K course.  Many of the runners, joggers, and walkers have used other adjectives to characterize the route, some of which would not be wise to share here.  However, the fact of the matter is that it was intentionally designed that way.  DUSM Derek Hotsinpiller and his brother, DUSM Dustin Hotsipiller, ran this same route together as part of their physical fitness regimen many years ago.  

In the wake of Deputy United States Marshall Derk Hotsinpiller’s tragic loss in the line of duty in 2010, the Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5k was born to support and honor Derek and our law enforcement community.  The DHFS 5K Race Committee works hand in hand with the Hotsinpiller Foundation in unwavering support of that mission.

When the yet-to-be-formed race committee decided to hold a 5K race to raise funds to help provide law enforcement scholarships to local students, Dustin was quick to suggest the course that he and Derek trained on as the perfect venue for the event.  Challenging was the point.  It was the perfect way to honor his brother, and the group agreed.  

Challenge is a way of life for law enforcement officers.  So it is no surprise that the DHFS 5K embraces challenges as a vital part of race day.  In addition to the challenge of the course itself, the race offers some other common ones, such as Biggest Group, KidsK, and a Stroller Division.  

Those are all great, but the DHFS 5K goes just a little bit farther.  Three unique law enforcement-focused competitions are offered to currently serving officers.  They are among the true highlights of race day.     

The Power of the Pair: The Two-Man Team

First introduced back in 2011, the Two-Man Team challenge has become a staple of the event.  It is a simple premise with a high-stakes payoff: two officers, one combined time, and a whole lot of agency pride.

While the top three teams walk away with prizes, the real prize is the Annual Traveling Trophy.  Having your names engraved on that metal plate and taking it back to the precinct isn't just about being fast; it’s about proving that in law enforcement, we don’t do anything alone.  That trophy sits at the winning agency for a full year as a constant reminder of the teamwork required to keep our streets safe.

Top Cop: The Pursuit of Excellence

Then, there’s the Top Cop challenge.  This is for the speedsters.  It’s a head-to-head sprint for the fastest individual time, and let me tell you, the competition is getting stiff.  As the number of participants grows every year, the determination at the starting line is palpable.  It’s a pure demonstration of endurance and the "unwavering determination" we’ve come to expect from our LEOs.

The Weight of the Badge: The Plate Carrier Challenge

Perhaps the most humbling sight on the course is the Plate Carrier challenge. These officers aren't just running 3.1 miles; they’re doing it while wearing their department-issued vests.

Consider this for a second:

• Weight: A standard plate carrier weighs over 20 lbs.
• Symbolism: It represents the literal and metaphorical weight these professionals carry every single day.

Watching an officer cross the finish line in full gear is a powerful reminder of their resilience. It’s one thing to run a 5k in lightweight mesh and carbon-plated shoes; it’s quite another to do it in the same gear you wear to protect the public.

Why does the DHFS 5K lean so heavily into these challenges?  Whether it's the teamwork of the Two-Man Team, the speed and endurance of the Top Cop, or the sheer physical toll of the Plate Carrier run, these events give insight into and honor the determination and resolve of our LEOs.

The challenges of the DHFS 5k are about a community that stands behind our men and women in uniform.  "These challenges bring a unique and special element to our event while honoring the dedication and strength of our law enforcement community,” stated Race Director Ashley Hotsinpiller. 

Life is all about challenges, whether you are in law enforcement or not.  Learning to face and overcome them is the truest definition of success.  The DHFS 5K gives civilians and LEOs an avenue to face and conquer a challenge and the opportunity to succeed in their own unique and personal way, while simultaneously supporting our law enforcement community.  Don’t let the challenge go unanswered.   

Learn more about the Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K

https://thehotsinpillerfoundation.org/memorial-race/

Learn more about the Hotsinpiller Foundation

https://thehotsinpillerfoundation.org/

Editor's Note: Photos courtesy of the Hotsinpiller Foundation.