Raleigh, N.C. — More than 600 runners participated in the first Run for Our Heroes race in downtown Saturday to honor Raleigh police officers killed in the line of duty and their families.

A wreath was laid at a monument to fallen officers in Nash Square during a memorial service before the 5K race. Children under age 10 participated in the McGruff Crime Dog Kids’ 100-Yard Dash.

The event raised about $40,000, with proceeds going to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

Police Chief Harry Dolan said that the families officers leave behind can face tremendous hardship.

"Particularly in the short term, the financial issues and impacts are very significant on a family. What a lot of these organizations and associations and fundraisers are helping with is that immediate assistance," Dolan said.

"And we're very, very grateful for all our volunteers and all the funds that will be for the noblest of causes," he added.

In the past eight decades, eight Raleigh police officers have been killed on the job: Officer Tom G. Crabtree in 1922; Officer Robert E. Spark in March 1968; Officers James W. Allen and JamesG. Lee in December 1968; Officer Delma D. Adams in 1980; Officer Denise Holden in 1995; Detective Paul A. Hale in 1997; and Officer Charles R. Paul in 2002.

According to the event Web site, four active and retired Raleigh officers got inspired to start the Run for Our Heroes after being in the annual Police Unity Tour in May 2008. They participated in the bike ride from Virginia Beach to the National Police Memorial in Washington, D.C., in honor of the fallen Raleigh police officers.