Part of the inspiration to organize the CV5K came from the Volunteer Fire Departments. The fire fighters for the VFDs selflessly work long hours any time of the day or night. While these volunteers will rush into a burning building, many aren't able to rush through a mile run. The VFD Race-Within-A-Race challenge is sponsored by the Fellows’ Club VFD in Conneautville. The trophy goes to the VFD with the best combined time for their first three finishers. This Race-Within-A-Race is a challenge to all volunteer fire fighters to set a goal to get in better shape and be better able to serve the community.

Similarly, the Conneaut Valley Lions Club is sponsoring a trophy and challenging the regional Lions Clubs to make a commitment to get in better shape, so they can serve the community better also.