Support SMPD’s Baker to Vegas Team

Published on December 31, 2024

Support SMPD’s Baker to Vegas Team. Every spring, members of The Santa Monica Police Department compete in the annual 120-mile Baker to Vegas race—and they need our help!

What is the Baker to Vegas Race?

The annual Baker to Vegas event is a 120-mile relay race for law enforcement personnel. The race starts in Baker, California (Death Valley) and continues over the mountains to Las Vegas. Each year, hundreds of law enforcement agencies from around the world compete in the challenge.

In 2025 the Baker to Vegas Relay is scheduled to take place across April 5 and 6. Over 10,000 runners, support staff, race volunteers, guests and family members will descend on Baker to take part.

Competing officers from the Santa Monica Police Department train for months for the event. That means long runs before and after work, and for most, training has already begun. And at the end? One team takes home the coveted cup trophy.

Donate here to support SMPD’s Baker to Vegas team.

Why is Baker to Vegas Important?

The race is a wonderful opportunity for SMPD personnel to connect with other departments. “There are teams competing from Australia and London, and the NYPD is there,” says Officer Destinee King, who is coordinating the department’s volunteers. “It’s a great environment in which to connect and provides team bonding outside of work.”

Along with being is a fantastic camaraderie builder, Baker to Vegas gives SMPD officers a chance to represent their department and city within the international community of law enforcement. Accordingly, members of the entire department are involved, not just sworn officers. The race also gives participants a reason to maintain a physical fitness program which helps them better perform their duties.

Why Does SMPD’s Team Need Support?

The event requires a lot of training as well as an incredible amount of volunteer support and logistical planning. Runners and volunteers pay for their own travel, accommodation and supplies. Accordingly, the event becomes very costly!

And while it’s not difficult to find qualifying runners, it can be hard to find support staff. Everyone has to fund their own way there—and support staff don’t get the glory of competing.

That’s why the SMPD is asking for financial support. All donations are tax deductible and go into their Police Officer’s Association Wellness Fund. From there, the money will go towards event costs like group meals and individual support.

How Can I Support SMPD’s Baker to Vegas Race?

Individuals and businesses can make a donation of any amount here.

As an added incentive, businesses that donate $250 or more will receive their business name on the van during the event.

Donate $500 or more and receive the coveted event challenger mug—the same mug that the winning team receives!

Donate $1000 or more and receive a plaque with the company’s name.

All donations are tax deductible. For more information contact Officer Destinee King via email at Destinee.King@santamonica.gov.

How Does the Race Work?

The Santa Monica Police Department sends around 25 runners to the event (a team of 20 plus backups), as well as 20 support staff and a van to trail the runners.

Competing runners are chosen at qualifying trials according to their 10 kilometer finishing time.

At the race, each relay leg can last for up to 12 hours, which means running (or driving) through the night and in all kinds of weather. This continues across 20 stages.

History of Baker to Vegas

Los Angeles Police Officers Chuck Foote and Larry Moore founded the Baker to Vegas Relay in 1985. Over 35-plus years, hundreds of thousands law enforcement personnel have tread across the desert.

The event has expanded in many ways. From the first 19 teams in 1985, the number of teams is now limited to 300. Categories have grown to include Probation Officers, District Attorneys, US Attorneys and full-time civilian police personnel.

As a result of this growth the race has flourished. Today it is the largest law enforcement event of its kind in the world.

However, the original ideals of the race continue: teamwork, camaraderie, physical fitness and competition.

About the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD)

The city of Santa Monica Police Department provides domestic violence services, drug abuse services, law enforcement services and youth services for the City of Santa Monica.

The Santa Monica Police Officers’ Association Wellness Fund is dedicated to enhancing the physical and mental well-being of its members, and to provide comprehensive support through various wellness programs, resources, and initiatives.

Image courtesy of the Santa Monica Police Department Police Activities League.