How one race and one community will do good at ISC West 2025, says Mission 500.

An annual event

As the sun peeks over the Las Vegas skyline, a quiet energy begins to build at Sunset Park.

Runners stretch, shake out their legs and sip from water bottles, while others chat with teammates, pinning race bibs to their shirts.

They all come from different companies and different corners of the security industry, but they’re all here for the same reason – to support children in need.

The annual Mission 500 Security 5K/2K is about to begin.

Raising funds for children in need

For over a decade, the Mission 500 Security 5K/2K has been a mainstay of ISC West, America’s largest security tradeshow.

Amidst the show’s happy hours, meetings and speaker sessions, the 5K/2K unites security professionals for a purpose beyond business.

The funds raised through registration fees and sponsorships support Mission 500’s efforts to aid children in need across the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

The race itself has grown from humble beginnings.

What started in 2012 as a small gathering, sparked by Mission 500’s founder George Fletcher, has evolved into one of the most anticipated charity events of the year.

Every year the 5K/2K attracts hundreds of participants and an ever-growing list of sponsors.

And as the race continues to grow, so does Mission 500’s impact.

Mission 500 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit started with the goal of helping 500 children in need.

Today, the charity proudly reports that it has helped over 100,000 children since its inception.

This is largely due to the 5K/2K, which stands as one of Mission 500’s biggest annual fundraising initiatives.

It is also a testament to those within the security industry who continue to donate their time, money and energy to this worthy cause.

“Something bigger than themselves”

“What I love most about the 5K/2K is watching all the individuals and teams out on the course,” said Jason Lutz, Chair of Mission 500.

“Inside the expo hall, everyone represents their own company and interests, but out on the course they’re one community.

“It’s incredible to see people of all different backgrounds and ages come together in this way and in support of something bigger than themselves.”

Togetherness

The sense of unity is palpable. Some runners push themselves to beat their personal records, while others jog alongside coworkers or family members.

Some are here because their companies have long championed the cause.

Others signed up on a whim. But regardless of reason or pace, every participant walks away with a medal, shirt and sense of pride.

They’ve just spent their morning helping those in need.

And for those with a competitive streak, the race offers a chance to take home a trophy.

Awards will be given to the top three finishers in their age group and category, as well as the top three finishers overall.

For the first time in race history, a team award will also be given to the team with the fastest average time, adding an extra layer of friendly competition.

But the impact of the Mission 500 at ISC West extends far beyond the race itself.

Over on the show floor at Mission 500 booth #4123, attendees can learn more about Mission 500, the 5K/2K and even grab a ‘Get Out of Race Free’ card.

These cards are a lighthearted way for those who prefer to sleep in or who may have enjoyed the Vegas nightlife a little too much to bow out of the race with a $50 donation.

HID’s alternative

Mission 500 also offers another, less physical way for attendees to give back with its care pack build.

HID, a longtime sponsor of this initiative, is once again supporting it this year, providing an opportunity for booth-goers to assemble care packs filled with essentials like soap and socks.

Attendees can also include a special note of hope with handwritten words of encouragement and inspiration.

Community

Once assembled, Mission 500 will hand-deliver the packs to the Martin Luther King Family Health Center in Nevada.

This hands-on initiative allows ISC West attendees to make a direct impact on the local community outside of the 5K/2K.

Lastly, the 5K/2K would be nothing without its sponsors.

Thanks to their contributions, the funds raised don’t just cover event logistics but also go directly to supporting Mission 500’s charitable initiatives thought the year.

“The backbone of 5K/2K”

“Our sponsors are the backbone of the 5K/2K and of Mission 500,” said Mission 500’s Treasurer, John Nemerofsky.

“Without them, we wouldn’t be able to make the kind of impact we do and we certainly wouldn’t be as organized.

“Almost everything from the shuttle busses to the race medals and swag bags are made possible through corporate sponsorships.”

Impact

The event’s success is a testament to the generosity and commitment of the security industry.

As organizations seek to expand their corporate social responsibility efforts, the Mission 500 Security 5K/2K offers an ideal opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

From participants to sponsors, volunteers to donors, everyone plays a role in making the 5K/2k an unforgettable event.

And while the race may only last a morning, the impact lasts far longer.

As the last runners make their way to the finish line and the morning transitions into another busy day on the show floor at ISC West, the sense of accomplishment and camaraderie lingers.

And those who benefit from Mission 500’s support feel the lasting effects of that generosity.