GOLDEN, Colo. – The MC-1 Foundation’s 12th Annual MC-1 Honor Run motorcycle fundraiser ride will take place on Sunday, September 28, 2025. On-site registration will begin at 8:00 am at Columbine High School, 6201 South Pierce Street, Littleton, CO. The ride (an approximate 40-mile route) will start at 9:15 am and will end at MAIN EVENT, 580 East 144th Avenue, Thornton, CO 80023. Riders are encouraged to pre-register online at www.mc1foundation.com. For those who do not ride, the public is welcome to join the post-ride event at the MAIN EVENT.
In previous years, the Foundation has chosen a Colorado first responder(s) who has(have) been injured in the line of duty as its Honor Run beneficiary(ies). This year, the Foundation will celebrate all 65 beneficiaries who have been financially assisted since the Foundation was created in 2014.
“As we approach the 12th Annual MC1 Honor Run, we reflect with gratitude on the beneficiaries we have had the privilege to assist, the individuals we’ve met, and the enduring partnerships we’ve formed. These experiences remind us that our mission extends beyond the event itself. It is about community, support, and lasting impact,” says Foundation President and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Mark Miller. Miller continues, “The dedication of our donors and sponsors remains the cornerstone of our success. Their commitment demonstrates the power of generosity and reaffirms the value of service. It is this collective spirit that makes the time and effort behind the uniform truly meaningful.”
Last year’s beneficiary was South Adams County Fire Department Firefighter Ryan Applegate (E26 Engineer) who was injured in December 2023 when he and another South Adams County firefighter and two Commerce City police officers were struck by a suspected drunk driver on Interstate 76 in Commerce City. Other past beneficiaries include Denver Police Department Sergeant Justin Dodge, Larimer County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jason Hart, and many other public service employees who have been injured in the line of duty.
“Our first responders selflessly put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect our many communities here in Colorado,” says MC-1 Foundation Board Member Julie Powell. “Participating in the Honor Run motorcycle fundraiser ride is a small way for our supporters to give back and ensure that when a first responder is in need, they know their community has their back. Even if someone does not ride a motorcycle, they can come out to the Main Event at the end of the ride to show their support. This is a family-friendly event and everyone is welcome.”
For more information about the Foundation, to make a donation, and to learn more about upcoming events, please visit www.MC1Foundation.com. You can also follow the Foundation’s Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/MC1Foundation.
About the MC-1 Foundation:
After Sergeant Dave Baldwin of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (E.O.W. 1/26/14) was killed in the line of duty in January 2014, members of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Defenders Motorcycle Club, with the help of the I Love U Guys Foundation, organized a motorcycle ride to benefit the family of Sgt. Baldwin. The ride was named the MC-1 Honor Run (Sergeant Baldwin’s radio call sign was MC-1) and it took place in May 2014 with over 600 riders in attendance. The MC-1 Foundation originated from the MC-1 Honor Run and each year since, the Foundation has continued to hold the motorcycle fundraising event.
Since that event, the MC-1 Foundation, which is a 100% volunteer organization, has grown to become a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (#47-5206410). The mission of the Foundation is to provide financial support to public service employees in the event that they are injured while on duty providing service for their communities.
Since 2014 (through September 2025), the MC-1 Foundation has provided over $500,000 in financial support to 65 Colorado first responders who have been injured while on duty serving our communities.
