Chicago Police Memorial Foundation's Run to Remember 5K honors fallen officers

CHICAGO (WLS) -- On Saturday, more than 5,000 people participated in the annual Run to Remember to honor fallen police officers.

Holding flags and pictures of fallen Chicago Police Officers, thousands gathered near Soldier Field for the tradition as the 5K run began at 8 a.m.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The event supports and raises money for the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation and families of police officers who have been killed or severely injured in the line of duty.

"We've been on the job for almost a year no, we came out here last year when we were recruits, and now we are trying to keep this tradition," Chicago Police Officer Tyler Hays said.

Over $22 million has been given to families since the foundation was established in 2004.

Gina Ibarra has been a Chicago Police Officer for nearly 20 years. The event is a reminder of the men and women in blue who cannot be there, because they have made the ultimate sacrifice.

"As a police officer, it's extremely important to me," Officer Ibarra said. "We've lost so many police officers in the last years, and those are our brothers and sisters and I want to run for them. I want to run for those that can't run and I try my hardest even though it's difficult, I'll push through it just because I'm running for them, all of them."

The event was also a moment to reflect on the day-to-day challenges that come with the job.

"We want to remind ourselves of all the officers that came before us, who lost their lives on the job," Officer Hays said. "It's important for every officer and people who are just fellow citizens of Chicago. We go through things day in and day out, making sure to keep people safe. And just make sure we remember that."

They are challenges that family members and friends of officers say they recognize and are grateful for their loved ones who help keep the city safe.

"All the stories he told me when he sees in the field, I think it's important for your or realize that everybody realize it's a different world out there especially at night fighting crimes and what not," a runner named Donte said. "This is the least I can do."

Since last year's run, Chicago police officer Enrique Martinez died in the line of duty.

Edith Huesca and Rosa Mayen, the mothers of fallen officers Luis Huesca and Enrique Martinez, respectively, served as race starters.

In August, former CPD officer James Crowley died from his injuries from a 1987 on-duty crash.

After the race Saturday, many runner enjoyed a gathering at the Gold Stars Families Memorial and Park.