Marshfield resident David Williamson had a Forrest Gump moment when he made plans to attend Bull Falls Brewery's Bock Fest last March.

Williamson's friends, however, dropped out at the last minute, and Williamson dug up two others to join him that day. The trio ran north to the post office, through the Wausau Center mall, around the City Square and back to Bull Falls Brewery.

While the impromptu run didn't have any significance that day, it has served as a springboard nearly a year later to keep the run as a staple event with a new purpose.

On March 13, the second Bull Falls Bock Fest celebration will include a 5K run/walk that will benefit the Never Forgotten Honor Flight, an initiative that sends local World War II veterans to visit their conflict's memorial in Washington, D.C.

"I thought it would be a good thing to use the funds from this run on the Honor Flight," said Don Zamzow, co-owner of Bull Falls Brewery. "So often, our veterans aren't really thought about."

Local veterans Mike Thompson and Jim Campbell, both co-chairmen of the Never Forgotten Honor Flight in Wausau, announced their initiative in late December.

Campbell and Thompson hope to raise $90,000 to send as many as 105 veterans to the memorial. Zamzow said he hopes to raise about $1,500 through the fun run. If the event can bring in 100 runners, Zamzow can reach that goal.

"I'm looking forward to this with anticipation," he said.

Williamson and Zamzow originally started talking seriously about organizing the run last month over a conversation at Titletown Brewing Company in Green Bay, Williamson said. Around that same time, Campbell was talking to Zamzow about the honor flight. The fun run's new purpose came to light, and a committee of local runners formed to spread the word and recruit others to the cause.

"We're trying to be aggressive," said Wausau resident Tonia Dziak, 39, a runner who's assisting with the run. "This is a good way to give back to our veterans."

Dziak said there's plenty of interest in the run.

"I know at least 20 people who will sign up for the run," she said.

Campbell said he's "awestruck" at the support the honor flight has received since he and Thompson revealed their plans. Along with Bull Falls Brewery, the honor flight has received support from Kwik Trip, Emma Krumbees and Ghidorzi Cos., among others, he said.

If the run is successful this year, Williamson thinks it will only continue to grow.