The La Paz Fire Department has announced its first-ever charity footrace, an event aimed at promoting community participation while raising funds to improve the department’s emergency response capacity. The race will take place on January 18, 2026, starting at 8 a.m. from the La Paz City Hall circuit. The event seeks to strengthen community ties and support local emergency services.
According to Commander Juan Jesús Ruiz, the invitation is open to the entire community, with categories for participants as young as six years old and adults over 50. “This will be the first edition of our charity footrace, organized by the Heroic Fire Department of La Paz,” Ruiz said. “We extend an open invitation to citizens of all ages to take part and support this event.”
Registration is now open at two official locations: the central fire station on Avenida de losDeportistas and Luis Donaldo Colosio, and a registration module on Calle Esquerro #1530 and 16 de Septiembre, across from Scotiabank. Participants can visit either site for information about race categories or fees.
“We’ve opened registration points at our main station and on Esquerro Street to make it easy for everyone to join,” Ruiz explained. The main event will feature a 5-kilometer route for adult runners, with a registration fee of 500 pesos (about $25 USD). Children’s categories will cost 300 pesos ($15 USD). Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each category.
Children’s races will vary by age and distance: ages 6 – 8 will run 300 meters, ages 9 – 11 will run 500 meters, ages 12 -14 will run 800 meters, ages 15 -17 will run 1.5 kilometers, and a youth category (ages 14 -17) will run 2.5 kilometers. All proceeds from the event will go directly to the La Paz Fire Department to help fund upgrades in equipment, infrastructure, and firefighter training.
“These initiatives are crucial for our institution,” Ruiz said. “They allow us to strengthen our emergency response systems and address essential operational needs.” The department currently operates with 36 active firefighters and 28 administrative staff across three stations, supported by a fleet of 14 emergency vehicles. Ruiz noted the department’s ongoing efforts to maintain readiness and reliability in responding to emergencies throughout the city.
“We’ve been working to maintain a high level of operational and administrative stability,” he added. “There will always be new challenges, but our goal is to sustain optimal preparedness.” Ruiz expressed gratitude to the La Paz City Council, led by Mayor Milena Quiroga, and to the State Government for their continued support. Recent assistance has included the delivery of new uniforms, infrastructure improvements, and vehicle maintenance.
“We deeply appreciate the support from Mayor Quiroga and the City Council,” Ruiz said. “Their commitment to improving our department’s infrastructure and equipment has been invaluable.”
The charity race will also feature complementary activities, including a friendly soccer match with special guests, to promote community engagement and family participation.
The La Paz Fire Department’s first charity footrace will start and finish in front of its main facilities. Each registered participant will receive a commemorative t-shirt, symbolizing their contribution to community safety and emergency readiness.
With this initiative, the department hopes to establish an annual tradition that celebrates both physical activity and the shared commitment of La Paz residents to protect and support those who risk their lives to keep the city safe.
In addition, the fire department will hold its annual December toy drive, collecting gifts for children in need across the municipality. As the holiday season approaches, Commander Ruiz reminded residents to take extra precautions to prevent fires, which tend to increase in December due to the use of heaters, ovens, and gas systems.
“We urge the public to stay alert and follow basic safety measures at home, in businesses, and on the road,” he said. “Keep a fire extinguisher in your vehicle, install smoke and gas detectors at home, and check your LP gas system regularly.”
