ORLANDO, Fla. — Many over at ICON Park got an early start to their Sunday, lacing up their sneakers to support local law enforcement.

It was all part of the inaugural First Responders 5K Family Fun Run, put together by Florida Highway Patrol.

One of the participants was Ethan Rodriguez, a veteran and Coconut Creek police officer, who came up to take part.

“I was off, I had to take advantage of the opportunity and I race every weekend off, I love to train, I love to train and get after it,” said Rodriguez. 

He ran with about 130 other runners on the course, winding around ICON Park, giving views of many International Drive attractions. But this wasn’t just all about having fun. It shows support for local law enforcement, with the proceeds going to support their efforts in the community.

“This is in support of our Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary,” said Lieutenant Tara Crescenzi, a Florida Highway Patrol spokesperson. “That is our nonprofit that works directly with us. They are an extra set of eyes and hands when we work the road, and of course, respond to incidents here in Central Florida.”

Crescenzi said they are happy with the turnout they got on the course for their first race and hope even more people participate in the next one.

“We’re hoping for next year that we’ll increase those numbers so we can have a great day out here,” said Crescenzi.

This race is a particularly meaningful one for Rodriguez to finish, proud to run as a law enforcement officer himself. It’s a race he plans to do again.

“These are great people, great event, you know, you gotta support your local police and law enforcement highly patrol, all the first responders. That’s why we’re mainly here,” said Rodriguez.