A special 5K run called Joggin for Frogmen is taking place this Sunday at Fiesta Island to honor the 31 military service personnel who died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan in August 2011.
They died in action when a Taliban fighter reportedly fired on the chopper.
It was considered the deadliest single loss for U.S. forces in the decade-long war.
Of the fallen soldiers, 17 of them were Navy SEALS including two from San Diego.
The local organizer of the run, Trisha Shelgrove, said she expects about 1,000 people to participate in the race this weekend.
"They're running in honor of the 31 killed last year, but the money is actually going to the two foundations, Navy SEALS and Special Operations," said Shelgrove, "They get to spend the money however they want. We're just supporting the foundation so that they can give back to the families."
The Navy SEAL Foundation and Special Operations Warrior Foundation will receive 100 percent of the proceeds from the run.
Also helping to raise money for the foundations is Mike Rouse, a local athlete who trains for long-distance races around the country and world.
Rouse lost a special friend in the helicopter crash, Navy SEAL Jon Tumilson.
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In remembrance of his friend and the fallen soldiers, Rouse will run 31 laps around Fiesta Island for 24 hours straight.
"I don't think we realize there's not always just those warriors that go out there and sacrifice their lives, but there are families that are left behind," said Rouse, "That's what these foundations that I'm donating the proceeds of my run for are all doing. They're reaching out to those families, the spouses and the children of those who were lost."
Rouse will start running this Saturday at 7 a.m. and finish on Sunday just in time to serve as emcee for Joggin for Frogmen.
For more information about the 5K, visit the event website.
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