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LAPD Reserve Running Team
Takes on 2004 Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay
By Virginia Gonzalez
Baker to Vegas – those three little words have the ability to evoke strong emotions in anyone who has ever participated in the race. Excitement, pride, and dread, to name a few. The race runs from the town of Baker, California to Las Vegas, Nevada – a distance of 120 miles along Highways 127 and 160. The distance is divided into 20 legs ranging in lengths from 4.7 to 8.2 miles. The 20 runners who tackled the grueling desert heat and freezing mountain air must climb steep hills with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 feet, some legs within a short four to file mile distance. This is often done as the runners struggle against their personal demons while running in the desert night, towards the elusive bright light that represents the end of their leg.
The following officers participated as runners on the Reserve team:
R.O. Virginia Gonzalez (Rampart) TEAM CAPTAIN
R.O. Dan Keelan (Newton) CO-CAPTAIN
Detective Paul Espinosa (Rampart)
R.O. Armando Flores (Rampart)
R.O. Raul Gomez (Rampart)
R.O. Fernando Macias (Rampart)
R.O. Todd Moore (Rampart)
R.O. Eric Ortiz (Rampart)
R.O. Andrew Sullivan (Rampart)
R.O. Bernard Davis (Pacific)
R.O. David Gelbman (Pacific)
R.O. Jeff Nocket (Pacific)
R.O. Nancy Olah (Pacific)
R.O. Judas Garces (Foothill)
R.O. Marty Kennedy (Foothill)
R.O. Janice Sayano (Foothill)
R.O. Peter Feldman (North Hollywood)
R.O. Joe Gomez (Fugitive Warrant Section)
R.O. Jim McLaughlin (West Traffic)
R.O. Adam Ripp (Hollywood)
Sgt. Ray Maltez (Behavioral Science Section)
P.O. Raul Ramos (Wilshire)
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The 20th Annual Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay Race took place on April 24th and 25th. This year, over 200 teams participated, including teams from Berlin, Germany, South Wales, England, Queensland, Australia, and Calgary, Canada. These teams competed with the only reserve running team in the competition- the LAPD RESERVE RUNNING TEAM.
As in the years past, the recruitment and retention of runners was difficult, however the end result was an extremely cohesive team made up of 19 LAPD Reserve Officers and 3 fulltime LAPD officers. After much preparation and training, the Reserve Running Team ran a smooth race with no injuries or penalties and without having to use either of our two alternate runners. The team completed the 120 miles in 19 hours, 4 minutes and 37 seconds, placing 25th in the Invitational Division and 176/216 overall.
This feat would not have been accomplished if it were not for the support personnel on the team. The support team was led by R.O. Thomas Harvey (Rampart), who has become an expert on the coordination of this complicated undertaking. The support team did everything from transporting the runners to and from their designated legs to greeting runners with praise and water as they finished their legs. The support team was comprised of several family members and friends, as well as the following reserve officers:
Specialist R.O. Howard Burkhart (Harbor)
R.O. Frank Tavelman (Wilshire)
R.O. Cesar Terrientes (Rampart)
The team also received much needed financial support from the Reserve Foundation. This support, which covered the $1,400 entrance fee, transportation costs, radios and new running suits for all the runners, meant more than just easing the financial strain on the runners’ wallets. It was also a reminder that someone had faith in the team as representatives of the Reserve Corps.
Perhaps it was the challenge which motivated each individual runner to participate in this rugged test of endurance. In the end, however, we gained much more than personal satisfaction. For the dread is only a passing sensation that is quickly replaced by a sense of accomplishment and pride, and, not to mention, team camaraderie and improved physical fitness.
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A First Time Participant's Perspective
by Reserve Officer Peter Feldman
I never thought I'd again experience the pride I felt at my Reserve Class graduation ceremony in any other LAPD activity. Was I ever surprised to find it in the middle of the Mojave Desert somewhere between Baker and Shoshone, CA on April 24 and 25, 2004. More than anything else I've done as an LAPD Reserve, being a member of our Baker to Vegas Relay team defines the spirit and commitment of our Reserve Program. Before the race I couldn't imagine what running in it would be like. Since the race, I can't imagine not being a member of our team in some capacity as long as I am an LAPD Reserve.
My involvement with the team began with a phone call from our team captain, Virginia Gonzalez. She got my name from an Academy classmate who knew I was a recreational runner. I told Virginia I was old and slow. She told me that the team had places for runners, alternates, and support members. I went to the first of several team meetings and was hooked immediately. Virginia, Dan Keelan and Thomas Harvey (Baker to Vegas veterans all) talked about preparations, logistics and most of all that any success depends on every team member. Were they ever right.
I didn't get any younger, but I trained seriously for about three months and got a little less slow. Several runners got together for weekend runs at both Elysian and Griffith Park. I got to know fellow reserves, and the bonds that bring a team close together were formed. Every member strived to do their job the best they could for the benefit of all.
The leg I ran in the race took less than an hour and seemed to go by in mere minutes. The "Follow Vehicle," the support van that accompanies every runner, was there with Gatorade and water to drink, more water to pour on my head, chest and back, and most importantly, there with encouragement and motivation.
When I think back on the entire experience and all the work and time it takes to make it happen, I come to the odd realization that the runners have the easiest job on the team. All they have to do is run! Would I do it again? You bet. I'm already preparing for the 2005 Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay Race.
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