From Baker to Vegas: Murrieta Police Finish First in Division

Officers and civilian staff from the Murrieta Police Department took first place in their division again this year when they competed in the annual law enforcement "Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay" April 13-14, it was announced.

The 120-mile running race has been taken place in the Nevada desert since 1985; 278 teams participated in the event this year, according to a news release. Teams come from throughout the U.S., and include police and sheriff departments, district attorney offices, probation and federal law enforcement and civilian law enforcement personnel.

The Murrieta Police Department has participated in the event every year since 1996. The police department runs in the 99-Under Division and has placed first in this category nine out of the last 10 years.

This year was no different, as the Murrieta team ran the 120 miles in 15 hours and 51 minutes, taking first place in their division.

Additionally, out of 278 teams across the country, Murrieta police placed 40th overall.

"This is a very impressive finish for a 99 division team," stated Murrieta police Sgt. Daryl Underwood, event organizer for the Murrieta team.

The race legs are run by 20 Murrieta officers and staffed by as many as 20 additional support personnel.

"The Murrieta Police Department takes great pride in running the Baker to Vegas race and looks forward to representing the police department and the city each year," Underwood stated.

Training for the 2014 event has already begun, Underwood stated, as Murrieta PD "looks to take another first place finish next year."