Dallas (WBAP/KLIF News) – Dallas police are racing hundreds of other departments to Las Vegas this weekend. The Baker to Vegas Challenge runs from California to Las Vegas each year.
“This particular race promotes physical fitness in law enforcement with the original ideas being teamwork, camaraderie and competition,” says Deputy Chief Gil Garza. “A lot of the organizations are really well aware of the tragedies that have affected, not just Dallas, but all law enforcement officers.”
Dallas police finished in 16 hours last year. Garza says he hopes the team can finish the relay race in 15 hours this year.
“It takes a lot of time and work to prepare for this event,” he says. “There are teams out here that are really gung-ho, and they really compete at the highest level. Those teams from San Diego and LA finish at the top every year.”
The Los Angeles Police Department has won the race each of the past five years.
Teams pay $2,100 to enter the relay race.
The race covers almost 200 miles and runs through the Mojave Desert and over two mountain passes before reaching Las Vegas. Up to 270 teams can enter the race each year.
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