Empower U hosting 5K/10K race benefiting first responders

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - Empower U is hosting a 5K/10K race benefiting the First Responders Foundation on June 13.

Sioux Falls Police Chief Jon Thum and Empower U co-owner Lexi Waddell joined Dakota News Now to tell us more about the race.

“Over at Empower U, we’ve hosted races in the past, but they’ve always been in collaboration with something. So, this year is the first year we’re hosting it independently. We were like, ‘What’s a way we can get involved with the community and to give back?’ So, that’s where the partnership with the First Responders Foundation came through,” said Waddell.

“The First Responders Foundation came up a couple of years ago. We would see that, while our community is incredibly supportive of law enforcement, there are sometimes gaps in how support can be shown, either financially or by supporting families, supporting officer wellness, and even supporting our retired K-9s. So, this foundation has come together to kind of fill in those gaps a little bit and, if there’s a need, address the need. This is where Empower U has been a great partner by hosting events that seek to benefit this foundation,” said Chief Thum.

The race will be held on June 13, 2026, at 100 Twin Oaks Road in Sioux Falls.

Participants can register independently or as a team. You can register for your race slot by clicking here.

The first 50 registrants will win a swag bag valued at over $250.

Watch the full interview above and visit runsignup.com.