University of Wisconsin-Platteville Students and faculty, as well as community members joined together to not to run away from the cops, but rather run with them at the first annual Run With the Cops event to support the Special Olympics Wisconsin.

The 1k Walk/5K Run was held outside of the Markee Pioneer Student Center Thursday, Sept. 18. The event included a social that consisted of music from Xtreme 107.1, raffle ticket prizes and various games.
The Special Olympics athletes recited their sacred oath to kick-start the walk/run.

Officers from multiple departments throughout southwestern Wisconsin lead the runners and walkers with the ceremonial torch lighting.

The Platteville Police Department, UW-Platteville University Police Department and the Grant County Sheriff’s Department were inspired to host the Run With the Cops fundraiser after hearing about similar events held at the University of Wisconsin-Stout and University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

155 people either preregistered online or registered in person before the event. The cost to either walk or run was $20 and they received a complimentary T-shirt.

Chief of Police at UW-Platteville, Scott Marquardt, along with four other police officers from around the southwestern Wisconsin area, decided to run in the event while other officers volunteered during the activities. Over 100 volunteers contributed their support to the event.

“[Supporting this cause] is something that law enforcement has been very passionate about,” Marquardt said. “It’s a good way for area law enforcers, students and community to all interact in a positive way.”

One of the runners was Steve Vandewilel, 63. Along with participating in several marathons, Vandewielel decided to run in the 5k to help support his son, who is an athlete in the Special Olympics.

Mike Reed, 40, has been a part of the Special Olympics for most of his life. He is the bowling coach for the Special Olympics and has participated in track and field, bowling, and basketball. Reed is also a huge supporter of the UW-Platteville men’s and women’s basketball teams.

The Sparkle Cheer team also made their appearance with the UW-Platteville Cheer and Stunt Team.
Melissa Martin, senior elementary education major, has been working with the Sparkles for about a year.

“The Sparkles are a special needs cheer and stunt team,” Martin said. “We work with them and they put up stunts and cheer with us at the football and basketball games.”

Martin finds joy is working with such an inclusive team.

“They make me smile every time I work with them. If you have a bad day and you work with them, I promise you, you will walk out smiling.”

Overall, law enforcement agencies across the state of Wisconsin have raised over $500,000,000 for the Special Olympics of Wisconsin to help support the athletes, games, and events.

The money raised at events like Run With the Cops goes to events like bowling, track and field, softball, volleyball, basketball and education materials, athlete and family support, and recruitment for more athletes.