More than 100 California Highway Patrol (CHP) cadets will take part in a five-mile run Wednesday morning, June 8, as the sun begins to rise over the State Capitol in Sacramento. This predawn tradition marks their final physical task before graduating from the CHP Academy on Friday, June 10. Family and friends of the cadets will show their support along the route with signs and flags, cheering on the runners.

Once at the Capitol, the cadets will gather at the California Peace Officers’ Memorial to observe a moment of silence in honor of the more than 1,600 women and men whose names are etched on the monument. By honoring these fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice serving the people of California, CHP cadets are reminded of the dangers associated with the job they are about to undertake.

A total of 128 cadets and other CHP personnel are scheduled to take part and the run begins Wednesday at 5:15 a.m., starting at the CHP Academy, 3500 Reed Ave., West Sacramento.

Cadets will run in formation and sing cadence along Reed Avenue, across the Tower Bridge, along Capitol Mall, and end at the Peace Officers’ Memorial on 10th Street and Capitol Mall.