Atlanta 5K race raises over $100,000 for Crime Stoppers rewards program

ATLANTA, Georgia (Atlanta News First) – More than 1,000 runners laced up their shoes and gathered in downtown Atlanta Saturday morning to participate in Atlanta's Finest 5K.

Now in its 19th year, the run is expected to raise more than $100,000 for Crime Stoppers of Greater Atlanta. The program allows people to give police officers anonymous tips about violent crime cases and offers a $2,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

The race, hosted by the Atlanta Police Foundation and the Atlanta Track Club, is also the first qualifying race for next year's Peachtree Road Race.

Dave Wilkinson, CEO of the Atlanta Police Foundation, said the race brings the community and police together for a positive cause – and it also boosts officer morale.

“As you can imagine, the morale and retention of the Atlanta Police Department is critical,” Wilkinson said. “Showing these guys that we support them and appreciate them for what they do every day to keep us safe is critical, and today's event gives them the opportunity to do that.”

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said Crime Stoppers allows the public to do their part.

“We love Atlanta and we want a safe city,” he said. “Our mayor calls it a 'group project,' and it really is.”

Click here to learn more about Crime Stoppers.

All rights reserved.