Runners and walkers will gather at the NDSU Wallman Wellness Center parking lot on Saturday, May 1, at 8:30 a.m. to participate in a "Run to Remember." The Wallman Wellness Center and the Army and Air Force ROTC have teamed up to create this event in memory of service members who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

Since 9/11, nearly 5,400 service members have given their lives in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, 121 from Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. It also is estimated that more than 100,000 service members have been wounded in these conflicts.

The idea for the event originated after Capt. Tom Gramith, a 2005 NDSU graduate, was killed in Afghanistan. "We wanted to honor Tom and other fallen service members, not only from NDSU, but around the world," says event organizer Capt. Amber Balkan. "This event provides a way for the community to remember those who have given their lives, and to say thank you to those who continue to serve."

All proceeds from this run will be donated to the families of fallen service members. To donate to Gramith's family, a memorial college fund has been established for his daughters. To contribute, send donations to Air Warrior Courage Foundation, In Memory of Tom Gramith, C/O Tom Halley, P.O. Box 132410, Tyler, TX 75713-2410.

The events include an individual and team 5K run/walk and a kids quarter mile race. Participants can register at runtoremember.zapevent.com. Each participant will receive a "Run to Remember" T-shirt, free breakfast and door prizes. Winners in each division will receive trophies.

For more information, contact Balken at (701) 866-5903.