Mayor and organizer promote Speedy 5K June 6 to fund scholarships for law enforcement families

Mayor Nori Gonzalez Garza invited Mission residents to attend the Speedy 5K on June 6 during an episode of the mayor's program "Behind the Mission," where she interviewed Bobbie Espariqueta about the annual fundraiser.

Espariqueta, an organizer with the Speedy Memorial Foundation, said the run began as a tribute to her late husband, Corporal Joey "Speedy" Espiritueta, and has grown into a regional event that raises money for scholarships and other support for law enforcement families. "This will be our seventh annual run," Espariqueta said, and "to date, we've been able to issue $151,000 in scholarships."

The event is more than a race, the two said. Gonzalez Garza described a program with live music and activities for families, and Espariqueta said many attendees come as walkers or supporters rather than runners. Espariqueta credited a volunteer board, sponsors and the Soul Racing team with organizing the event and said "100% of the proceeds that we raise for this 5K go back to the foundation." She added the race is volunteer-run.

Espariqueta said the run historically draws thousands of participants from across the valley and beyond, and she noted the event also highlights Mission's local businesses. She encouraged those who cannot run to come for the community gathering and support the Espariqueta family and local law enforcement.

Gonzalez Garza and Espariqueta also discussed a separate effort to name a highway in memory of Corporal Speedy. Espariqueta said the road-naming is "in the works" and asked listeners who want to offer support to contact Representative Sergio Munoz's office to submit letters backing a memorial sign.

Practical details provided on the program: the Speedy 5K is scheduled for June 6 at the Mission Event Center; T-shirt registration has a deadline the coming Sunday; race registration is available at soulracing.org; and information about the Speedy Memorial Foundation is at speedymemorialfoundation.org.

"If you want to come join us, please come June 6 at Mission Event Center for the Speedy 5K," Espariqueta said. Gonzalez Garza closed the episode by thanking the community and reiterating the invitation to attend.