SAN DIEGO (CNS) - More than 3,000 runners and walkers are expected to participate Sunday in the 25th annual "Light the Night Against Crime" 5K race at Balboa Park, Crime Stoppers, which is hosting the event, announced.
The event is set to begin at 7 p.m. with registration starting two hours earlier at the corner of Park Boulevard and Presidents Way, according to race organizers.
This years race will be dedicated to locating Julio Cesar Mendez, who is sought in connection with the July murder of 20-year-old college student Sonny Carillo, officials said.
San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis will be on hand to send off the participants, officials said. The district attorney's office pledged Crime Stoppers $50,000 in asset forfeiture funds seized from criminals and distributed for crime prevention and other programs.
"Our office is proud to be a strong partner with Crime Stoppers for this outstanding community event and their reward programs throughout the year," said San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis. "Thanks to their work, thousands of criminal cases have been solved over the years."
The annual "Light the Night Against Crime" events raise money for cash rewards paid to those who call Crime Stoppers' anonymous tip line with information leading to a felony arrest in the San Diego area, officials said.
San Diego Crime Stoppers has assisted in solving 4,150 cases, including 114 homicides, 41 rapes and 668 robberies, since it was formed in 1984, officials said.