The cold temperature and Saturday morning snow didn't stop more than 400 runners from pounding Lehighton pavement for the second annual Officers Down 5K and Community Day.

"We just want to bring everyone together for the day," said founder and events director T.J. Burke at the Lehighton Recreation Center."This is our way to give back. We want to thank all the officers, and this is our way to show them support," said Nikki Nothstein.Burke has worked in law enforcement since 2009. He developed the 5K concept in 2011."I just decided to host a small event with no plans of it expanding into a national movement," he said.Area agencies distributed information, including the Pennsylvania Bar Association, Pocono Greyhound Rescue and PSP Strong."We are just trying to get the community out to participate more and raise awareness," said attorney Adam Weaver.The 3.5-mile trek was designed to bring communities together for an afternoon and raise awareness, "rather than waiting until an officer is killed in the line of duty. It shouldn't take a line of duty death to come together as a community to show support," Burke said."This is not just a memorial event but a day to come have some fun while celebrating those who serve daily to keep our families safe."Officers from Bethlehem to Palmerton joined civilians on the Eighth Street starting line, where the Allentown Police Honor Guard stood at attention in dress blues as the snow fell."It's a wonderful tribute to the officers," said District Attorney Jean Engler. "It's great to see the community come out and support them.""My husband is a Lehighton officer," said Stephanie Bender of Albrightsville. "It's good support for them."Bender was the first woman to cross the finish line for the second year in a row."It was actually a lot of fun," said runner Holli Capricuso. "It's the first race I ran in the cold. It was challenging but good."Bethlehem police officer and race runner, Albert Strydesky said the event is all about recognition."It's awesome support for the officers who have gone before us. This is our way to honor them."Money raised from the race is distributed to different beneficiaries in the state.Last year's funds were donated to Lehighton police force, Bethlehem Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 20, and the family of state trooper Bryon Dickson, who was killed in an ambush outside the Blooming Grove police barracks. This year donations will help the Lehighton police department, Bethlehem FOP, and Hounds on Working Leashes.Panther Valley teacher Kevin Horvath ran to show support for the force. "It's to help a good cause and support our local police department.""We're just here celebrating those who serve daily," Burke said.Next year's race is set for the weekend of April 9.