More than 70 cadets are preparing to graduate from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Academy this week. Before they do, they will run from the Academy in West Sacramento to the California Peace Officers’ Memorial monument across from the State Capitol. The approximate 5-mile run is a tradition on the Wednesday before each graduation.

The California Peace Officers’ Memorial recognizes the more than 1,500 California peace officers who have lost their lives serving and protecting the people of California and underscores to the soon-to-be officers the dangers of the job upon which they are about to embark.

While at the monument, cadets will honor the fallen officers with a moment of silence as a sign of respect for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the people of California. This tradition is a long-standing rite of passage for cadets completing the 27-week training at the CHP Academy.

The annual run was scheduled at 5:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 13 starting at the CHP Academy, 3500 Reed Ave., West Sacramento.

For the event, cadets in physical training uniforms run in formation and sing cadence on Reed Avenue, across the Tower Bridge, and along Capitol Mall, ending at the Peace Officers’ Memorial on 10th Street and Capitol Mall.

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security to the people of California.