Public Invited to Join the Ranks to Run With Responders
Organizers of the 2025 Run With Responders 5K are inviting resident runners to join them on a five-kilometre (5K) route along the Windsor Riverfront Trail on Sunday, July 27, 2025.
Nearly 350 individual runners and walkers of all ages are expected to take part in this unique first responder—themed charity run celebrating all frontline service providers.
Windsor Fire and Rescue Services Chief James Waffle, Windsor Police Service Chief Jason Bellaire, and Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Chief Justin Lammers were joined by race coordinators on the riverfront today to announce the 3rd Annual “Run With Responders 5K,” Kids Dash and AM 800m Run to support local charities.
Supporting Local Charities
"For 2025, our charities are Canadian Mental Health Association - Windsor-Essex County Branch (CMHA-WECB), Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics and Windsor Firefighters Benefit Fund, with 100% of the proceeds to benefit these three important charitable organizations,” said co-organizer Dave Orshinsky.
Dave Orshinsky, Windsor Police Sergeant Wil Hodgins and Gary Belanger are the organizers of the charity 5K, which will be a rain-or-shine event.
Race-day registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with the run to start at 9:00 a.m. sharp. All runners in the 5K will receive a high-quality event t-shirt and finisher’s medal.
“Run with Responders gives everyone the opportunity to support three great initiatives that champion mental health support, acceptance, and inclusion,” said Essex-Windsor EMS Chief, Justin Lammers.
Funds raised will support ongoing mental health education, training, and awareness as part of the Sole Focus Project of the Canadian Mental Health Association. Many sessions are geared toward helping professionals like first responders, medical professionals, youth, and caregivers.
“Mental health is key to our well-being, and we can’t be truly healthy without it,” said Canadian Mental Health Association’s Director of Communications and Mental Health Promotion Kim Willis. “It involves how we feel, think, act, and interact with the world around us. Mental health is about realizing our potential, coping with the normal stresses of life, and making a contribution to our community.”
The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics (LETR) engages law enforcement officers worldwide, championing acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities, starting first with their own communities.
The Windsor Firefighters Benefit Fund’s mission is to alleviate poverty, uplift the community, and provide unwavering support to firefighters and their families during times of need.
The presenting partners of the “Run With Responders 5K” event are the Windsor Police Association and Windsor Port Authority.
“The Windsor Police Service is proud to join partners from across the community for this event,” said Windsor Police Service Chief Jason Bellaire. “Our members look forward to supporting mental health and raising funds for our amazing athletes.”
“Windsor Fire and Rescue Services is proud to participate in the 2025 ‘Run with Responders 5K’ in support of CMHA-WECB, Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics and Windsor Firefighters Benefit Fund,” said Windsor Fire Chief James Waffle. “We are committed to supporting organizations and individuals who contribute to the wellbeing of our community, and we would like to thank all of the dedicated emergency responders and service staff who work tirelessly to make Windsor-Essex a better place to live and work.”