The Warden Race Team recently returned from the grueling Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay, securing their highest-ever finish in the Open Division. Crossing the finish line in 6th place within their division, the team solidified its status among the competition’s elite, competing stride-for-stride with the top-seeded teams in the field. Out of 241 total teams, the Wardens placed 29th overall. This achievement is a testament to the team’s rigorous preparation and the growing interest in the program, which allowed them to successfully navigate last-minute injuries. Notably, recent academy graduate and CSLEA member Warden Eric Anderson stepped into a leg with only three days’ notice and clocked the 13th fastest time out of all runners on his leg!
The success of the race was earned under punishing environmental conditions that pushed every runner to their physical limits. This year’s course was defined by scorching heat, with air temperatures reaching 105°F and road surfaces radiating between 127°F and 140°F. While the team handled these conditions with professional resolve, the intensity of the event was marked by tragedy. The Warden Race Team joins the law enforcement community in mourning Los Angeles Sheriff’s Deputy Levi Vargas, who passed away following a heat-related medical emergency on the course. His loss serves as a somber reminder of the stakes involved and the resilience required by all those who participate.
Beyond the competitive results, the weekend served as a milestone for leadership and legacy within the ranks. Assistant Chief Eric Kord ran his 21st and final race with the team, carrying the baton across the finish line ahead of his upcoming retirement. To honor his decades of commitment and humble leadership, team members wore an anchor on their sleeves—a symbol of the stability he has provided the Warden Race Team throughout his career. These commemorative camo sunshirts, which provided essential protection from the elements, were made possible through a partnership with Seager organized by CSLEA member Warden Dan Beaky.
The Warden Race Team extends its deepest gratitude to the ACWO Board for the continued financial and logistical support that makes this participation possible. Beyond the trophies and bib numbers, this event is vital to the mental and physical well-being of our members, fostering a unique bond of camaraderie that lasts long after the race concludes. The logistics of such a massive undertaking are a significant puzzle, and CSLEA remains the most critical piece in bringing this team together to accomplish amazing things year after year.
