BRISTOL – The Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department Explorers will be hosting a 5K Obstacle Run benefitting two-year-old Kaleb Cole on Saturday, May 21, at Cop’er Canyon 1910 Mottville Road in Bristol.

The Cops for Kaleb 5K will take place at 9 a.m., with registration beginning at 7 a.m. The 5K course will consist of several obstacles such as shooting with paintball guns, water hazards, tire run, circuit exercise and hill climb. This event is open to teams of 3-5 people as well as individuals. You must be over 15 years of age to participate, and if you are under 18, a parent must sign a waiver for you to participate. Everyone that registers will receive a goody bag filled with a t-shirt, water bottle and other various items.

Participants can pre-register for the event or get additional details about this fundraiser at www.copsforkaleb.com. Pre-registration is $25 per person or $30 per person the day of the event. Donations for the Cole family are also being accepted online.

The Explorer’s program is open to young men and women ages 14 (having completed the eighth grade) through 19 years old with an interest in learning more about Law Enforcement careers.

Sheriff’s Department Explorers often participate in community events such as the Elkhart County Fair and Toys for Tots, but wanted to create an event to help out a local family in need. With this in mind, the explorers chose a family close to the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department when selecting Sgt. Michael Cole and his family. As one of many Explorer advisors, Sgt. Cole has worked with the Explorer program on various training and events. Sgt. Cole’s son, Kaleb, is suffering from Leigh’s Disease, a rare Mitochondrial disease.

Kaleb is the only child in Indiana fighting this disease, and he and his family must make several trips to a special clinic in Houston, Texas for treatments and tests. Due to this disease, Kaleb is completely dependent on his parents at all times. In addition to specialized treatments and tests, Leigh’s Disease also requires the use of special medical and disability equipment that is not covered by insurance for Kaleb. All proceeds will go to the Cole Family to help offset these costs.