Charleston community withstands the rain for 17th Annual Illinois Run for the Fallen

CHARLESTON, Ill. (WAND) — Rain did not stop the community of Charleston from showing up Saturday morning to honor the nation's fallen service members.

The Illinois Run for the Fallen hosted its 17th annual event. This year's celebration carried extra significance, marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11.

Every mile run during the event was dedicated to a fallen Illinois service member. By the end of the morning, participants completed a total of 816 miles.

Organizer Carolyn Cloyd said the turnout despite the rainy weather was nothing short of phenomenal.

"This has been the scariest event because it was raining when we got here and we didn't know if anyone was going to come out," said Cloyd. "But it has been phenomenal purely because people want to come out and honor these service members and Gold Star families."

Participants were asked to walk or run one mile for a fallen service member, but could choose to complete as many miles as they liked.

Gunner Barr is on his school's cross-country team, and while the run helps him stay in shape, that is not the only reason he showed up Saturday morning.

"I like to run and this is a great thing to do," said Barr. "But my second reason is that I really love the military and I really love remembering our fallen."

Barr has participated in the event since he was a kid and seeing his entire community show up on a rainy morning meant everything to him.

"It really shows how people have them in their hearts," said Barr. "They understand that yeah, it's raining out, but it's nothing compared to what these service members have done for us and what they experienced."

The Illinois Run for the Fallen says it will continue to host the annual event every year in honor of Illinois' fallen service members.