Sacramento, California – For anyone who has ever wondered what a police fitness test actually feels like, Sacramento police are offering a chance to find out firsthand. The department’s annual Female Fitness Challenge returns Sunday, October 4, giving participants an opportunity to take on the Sacramento Police Department’s Physical Ability Test, or PAT, through four timed challenges.
The morning will put strength, speed and stamina on display, but the event is not limited to people already pursuing a career in law enforcement. Organizers say experienced athletes, first-time participants, prospective applicants and anyone simply looking for a demanding new fitness challenge are welcome to take part.
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This year’s event shifts the spotlight directly onto the PAT. Participants will face a six-foot solid or chain-link wall, a 99-yard obstacle course and agility run, a 165-pound body drag and a 500-yard run. Each challenge is timed, giving participants a clear measure of how they perform while moving through a mix of climbing, quick direction changes, strength work and running.
The challenge will be held at McKinley Park, 601 Alhambra Blvd. in Sacramento, with activities taking place at the soccer fields near the corner of Alhambra Boulevard and McKinley Boulevard. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., while registration opens at 8:30 a.m. so participants have time to check in and get warmed up before the activities begin.
The fitness portion is only part of the day. Sacramento Police Department female officers and professional staff will be on site, giving participants an opportunity to meet people working in different roles within the department. Police recruiters will also be available for those interested in learning more about law enforcement careers.
Participants will also be able to check out specialized units and local vendors during the event. Organizers say each participant will receive a free T-shirt, while prize giveaways and swag bags are also planned.
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Anyone planning to participate should take note of several requirements before arriving. Participants must be at least 18 years old to take part in the physical challenges and are asked to bring identification for check-in. Water and appropriate workout gear are also recommended for the four-hour event.
Waivers are required. According to the event information, waivers will be sent to people who register before October 1. A limited number of hard-copy waivers will be available at McKinley Park for those unable to complete one beforehand, but organizers strongly encourage participants to arrive with the paperwork already completed so the challenge can begin on schedule.
Registration and additional information are available through the official event page at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sacramento-police-department-female-fitness-challenge-tickets-1998249587307.
For some participants, October 4 could serve as an early look at the physical side of a possible law enforcement career. For others, it may simply be a new Sunday morning challenge and a chance to find out how they handle a wall, an obstacle course, a heavy body drag and a run against the clock. Either way, Sacramento police are inviting women to come prepared to move, test themselves and connect with the department beyond the usual setting.