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

The monument memorializes more than 1,600 California peace officers who have laid down their lives serving and protecting the public 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 and officers 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 right of passage for cadets completing the 27-week training at the CHP Academy.

The run was slated to be held this morning, Aug. 10, beginning at 5:15 a.m.

Cadets in physical training uniforms were to run in formation and sing cadence after leaving the CHP Academy on Reed Avenue, across the Tower Bridge, and along Capitol Mall, ending at the Peace Officers’ Memorial on 10th Street and Capitol Mall.