Thousands of people are expected to gather in Seaside Park for the inaugural Seaside Semper Five Marine Corps Charity 5K Run/Walk.

Organizers said participants will pound a certified course along the boardwalk to raise money for the MARSOC Foundation.

Race Director Frank Costello said the foundation helps to fill in the financial gaps when a Marine Corps Special Operations Command or Air Force member gets seriously injured.

"Whatever the handicapped young men and women need they just let them go ahead and buy it without putting them through a lot of red tape."

Spokesman Kyle Ragonese said the MARSOC Foundation also helps to meet the needs of family members struggling with the injuries of their loved ones.

"So funding medical treatments not provided by the government, funding child care emergency services, among a laundry list of other things they do," said Ragonese.

MARSOC brass and service members are expected to participate in the event. Costello said participants will see a contingent of marines running with their flags along the boardwalk at the conclusion of the race.

Costello describes the injuries sustained by the marine special forces as more catastrophic than most branches of the military because these service members are the first to engage the enemy in combat.

Semper Five takes place on September 13th. You can register on-line at seasidesemperfive.org or at the event on race day starting at 7 a.m. at the Sawmill Cafe.

More From 92.7 WOBM