Every year since 2010, the City of Elyria has hosted the Kerstetter 5K to remember fallen Officer James Kerstetter who was shot and killed in March of that year.
But this year, the 5K was different.
This year's race comes just days after an ambush in Dallas that left five officers dead.
“We know firsthand what they’re going through," Kathy Kerstetter, officer Kerstetter's sister, said. "Our thoughts and prayers are for all the officers, their families and the people down in Dallas."
This year more than 130 police officers ran in formation to honor Kerstetter and the five officers killed in Dallas. One of Kerstetter's daughters, Shelby, ran with those officers. She said she's grateful for all of the community's support.
"It's nice to people come together for love and for friendship and family and I'm really thankful for that reminder," Shelby said.
Nearly 1,000 runners participated in Saturday's annual race.
On Friday, race organizers released a statement ahead of the race in light of the tragedy in Dallas. Read the full statement below:
First, on behalf of everyone that works year round on the Kerstetter 5K Run / 1 Mile Walk, we would like to extend our sympathies and our prayers to the men and women of the Dallas, Texas Law Enforcement community and their families.
For the people who are planning on attending the K5K tomorrow, we would like you to know that we have had discussions on the safety and security around the race. Although we do not anticipate any issues, we will continue reviewing security issues throughout today and into the morning.
We truly believe that tomorrow’s K5K will again be a peaceful event as it has since the first race in July of 2010.
Ironically, tomorrow’s race was created after Elyria Police Officer James A. Kerstetter was ambushed and killed while responding to a neighborhood disturbance call. Last night’s ambush and killing of Officers in Dallas brings that night in March of 2010 right back to the forefront of our minds.
Tomorrow, hundreds of people from all over the State of Ohio and from around the country, will arrive on Kerstetter Way to walk and run with the memory of Jimmy Kerstetter in their minds. Now, there will be the memories of 5 additional Officers in their minds.
We look forward to seeing everyone on Kerstetter Way tomorrow morning as we will walk and run for them, remember them and honor them.
