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Monaca #4 Stop, Drop, and Run 5K

October 8, 2015
Now in its third year, the Monaca #4 Fire Department’s Stop, Drop & Run 5K will be returning on October 10. What has evolved to become the Fire Department’s largest fundraiser is also becoming one of the larger community events in Monaca as well.

Last year, nearly 200 participants ran or walked in the Stop, Drop & Run and countless more cheered them on along the course. In addition to this, the Monaca #4 Fire Department has ensured that the event is a family oriented event by opening the station for individuals to tour, having a bounce house for children, and the trucks open for viewing.

While the race itself the last two years has been a large undertaking for the department, this year’s race will be an even larger event with the addition of a firefighter-themed obstacle challenge. Modeled after other large obstacle races, such as the Tough Mudder and Gladiator Run, the Monaca Firefighters hope to show you what a day in the life of a firefighter is like.

Mike Siegel, Assistant Chief of Monaca #4 and chairperson of the Obstacle Committee, says that some of the obstacles may include: a water tanker drop tank swim, hose pull station, body drag, a window breach, cutting a hole in a roof, and putting out fire. Mike went on to say, “This year’s runners are in for a challenging, but fun, obstacle course.  A lot of the time people don’t realize that we need to train for anything and everything. They will get a firsthand look into what we see every time we get off a fire truck.” Those interested in participating are encouraged to visit the obstacles page to receive full details on this year’s course.

To best facilitate the race, the fire department will be having waves of 20 people every 15 minutes for the obstacles starting at 9 a.m. Members of the department said they wanted to structure the race this way so that no one would have to wait to complete an obstacle, a frustration they have heard other runners discuss while talking to their focus groups.

With the change to a wave structure for the obstacle course, participants can now create a team and run together during the same time. The fire department is still working on final details, but there may be awards for the largest and fastest teams to complete the route.

This year’s race will follow the same route as last year’s, with runners and walkers crossing across the Monaca heights. Participants will begin at Monaca #4 Fire Department (913 Taylor Ave, Monaca, PA), go through Central Valley’s Middle School lot, continue towards Antoline Park, and return along the same path. Those participating in the obstacle challenge will follow a slightly different route by breaking off in areas such as the Middle School fields, Stone Quarry, and Antoline Park to complete the obstacles.

Additional information for this year’s race can be found at www.monacafire.com/5k. Registration fees, if received before 9/25, are $20 for general public walkers and runners, and $30 for obstacle course race participants. Discounted rates are available for firefighters.