Simi Valley’s 13 Souls Run Returns for a Morning of Remembrance |
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Simi Valley’s 13 Souls Run Returns for a Morning of Remembrance
Before most of Simi Valley is awake on Saturday, August 22, runners, walkers, cyclists, veterans and local families will gather along the Arroyo for the fifth annual 13 Souls Memorial Run/Walk/Ride.
The event honors the 13 American service members—11 Marines, one Navy corpsman and one Army soldier—who were killed in the bombing at Abbey Gate during the evacuation from Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 26, 2021.
Participants can choose from a 1K, 5K, 10K or half-marathon route beginning at the Simi Valley Metrolink Station, located at 5050 E. Los Angeles Avenue. The course follows the Arroyo west toward Madera Road, with each mile of the 13.1-mile route dedicated to one of the fallen service members.
This is not a timed race, and there are no placement awards. Instead, the morning is designed to bring the community together for reflection, gratitude and remembrance.
Check-in begins at approximately 5:30 a.m., followed by a memorial ceremony at 6:15 a.m. Participants will be released onto the course at about 7 a.m., with the community event continuing until approximately 11 a.m. Breakfast will also be served by the Y’s Men of the Simi Valley YMCA.
Proceeds will help support memorial and scholarship funds established by families of the fallen, along with programs assisting military veterans. Local service organizations, volunteers, veterans and Gold Star and Silver Star families are expected to take part.
Registration starts at just $20, making the event accessible to participants of different ages and fitness levels. Attendance is limited, so advance registration is strongly encouraged.
Whether you complete one kilometer, walk alongside a neighbor, volunteer or simply attend the ceremony, the 13 Souls Run offers Simi Valley an opportunity to pause together—and make sure 13 lives and their sacrifice are never forgotten.
Event Details
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11 Comments
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The route along the Arroyo is really nice too. Each mile dedicated to one of the fallen is a detail that gets me every time I think about it.
I wish more people knew about this. It does not get enough attention for how important it is. Tell your neighbors.
GailFromSimiVAgreed, I only found out about it because a neighbor mentioned it last minute. Sharing this article now so more people have time to register before spots fill up.
5:30 am is early but honestly that is kind of the point. These guys gave everything and we can get up early one Saturday.
Carlos MendezExactly. 5:30 on a Saturday used to sound rough to me but after doing this a couple years ago I honestly look forward to it now. Something about being out there before sunrise with that crowd just hits different.
My nephew served with one of the Marines who died at Abbey Gate. This run means everything to our family. Thank you to everyone who organizes it each year.
Does anyone know if kids can do the 1K? My daughter is 8 and I want to bring her but not sure if it is open to young ones.
$20 is nothing for what you get. A breakfast, a ceremony and the chance to honor those 13. Already signed up.
Todd VillanuevaThe breakfast alone from the Y's Men crew is worth showing up for, honestly. But yeah the ceremony is what stays with you. See you out there.
Did this last year with my husband and it was one of the most meaningful mornings we have had in a long time. Highly recommend going even if you just walk the 1K.
Janet R.Same experience here. My daughter did the 1K with me and she still talks about it. Glad you guys made it out, hoping to see more familiar faces this year.