2019 State Police '5k Foot Pursuit' Draws Nearly 1,000 Runners

NARRAGANSETT, RI — For a brief period Sunday morning, the clouds parted and the sun shone, raising hopes that the rain would hold off for this year's State Police 5k Foot Pursuit. The first drops came just after the gun sounded, but the drizzle wasn't enough to keep close to 1,000 runners from this year's race.

Just over 17 minutes after the first shots were fired by Colonel James Manni and the Patriots End Zone militia, a second rounds of gunshots rang out, signaling the return of this year's winner, Greg Motta. The 30-year-old Saunderstown man completed the 3.1 mile run in 17 minutes, 12 seconds. Motta, along with the first-place female runner Ashley Jenson, took home a $100 prize. Jenson, a 34-year-old from Boston, completed the race in 19 minutes, 39 seconds.

Every year, hundreds gather for the race, which raises money for the State Police Union, who then distribute the proceeds to various charities throughout the year. The race begins and ends at the North Beach Clubhouse, heading down Narragansett Avenue and looping up along Kingstown Road, Boon Street and Ocean Road, bringing runners through the towers and back to where they started. Cadets of the Rhode Island Municipal Police and State Police academies, Connecticut State Troopers and more took part.

After the race, runners and their families were encouraged to stay for a free barbecue, where they had the chance to tour police vehicles and become friendly with police dogs. Despite the unseasonably chill weather, the complimentary Del's lemonade and Brickley's ice cream were well-received.

Find the results for individual runners here.