The option to double the distance, donuts, beer and plenty of uniforms are just a few of the reasons to signup for the Eric Zapata EZ5k in Kalamazoo on April 16, 2016.

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Photo: aijohn784, ThinkStock
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  • What: Eric Zapata EZ5k (and 10k) Run
  • When: 9 a.m. Saturday, April 16, 2016
  • Where: Kalamazoo Valley Community College, 6767 West O Ave., Kalamazoo
  • How Much: $25 (+ service fee) Register online by April 14.

Kalamazoo Public Safety Officer Eric Zapata lost his life in the line of duty on April 18, 2011. His memory has been honored with the naming of a stretch of I-94 after him, a memorial on the Kalamazoo Mall, a foundation and even a beer.

Then there's the EZ5k. Not "easy." E-Z as in, Eric Zapata.

7 reasons you should run this race:

  • Photo: kzenon, Thinkstock
    Photo: kzenon, Thinkstock
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    1

    You can run with and not from the police.

  • Photo: Bobby Guy
    Photo: Bobby Guy
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    2

    Challenge yourself- go farther! You can run 2 loops to make it a 10k this year.

  • Google Street View
    Google Street View
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    3

    EZ Memorial Foundation. "Donations and sponsorships from this event are used to maintain a scholarship fund for students enrolled in law enforcement programs at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Grand Valley State University and Grand Rapids Community College," according to their mission statement.

  • Photo: PaulConte, ThinkStock
    Photo: PaulConte, ThinkStock
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    4

    Will run for beer. Kalamazoo Beer Exchange has created EZ Ale. Does any other race have a beer named after it? I mean, is there, like a Boston Lager or anything?

  • Photo: Cory Lum, Getty Images
    Photo: Cory Lum, Getty Images
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    5

    Firefighter and Tactical Operator Challenge. Some emergency personnel will be competing in full gear.

  • Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images
    Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images
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    6

    There will be plenty of first responders on hand in case you need medical attention at the finish line.

  • Photo: Meliha Gojak, ThinkStock
    Photo: Meliha Gojak, ThinkStock
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    7

    Spring should have finally arrived by then!

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