I am somewhat new to the family, but I love wear blue already. Running was something my husband, James, and I did together. James loved the challenge of doing something different, and I went along for the ride because I loved him and it kept me in-shape. When he was killed in 2013, I lost my interest in running; I no longer wanted to do it without my partner.

Gold Star spouse, Sarah Leach, reflects on finding wear blue:

June 26, 2012 is a day I will never forget. Two Soldiers arrived at our house to notify me that my Husband, SSG Matthew Leach, wouldn’t be coming home from Afghanistan. That was the day my life changed forever.

Active National Guard Soldier and “Unleashed at Stadium Bowl” race director, MAJ Brian Nelson reflects on his first marathon experience at the 2014 Marine Corps Marathon:

I never imagined being in this moment, training for my first full marathon. I wasn’t always a runner.  When I first came to wear blue, I struggled to complete one lap around the track.  On 23 August 2010, my husband, SGT Brandon Maggart died of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using indirect fire.

Hundreds of runners are about to toe the line at the 2014 Army Ten Miler, to honor the service and sacrifice of the American Military. Each runner has a different reason for choosing blue. Below, Augusta, Georgia wear blue meet-up lead Joe Matosian shares his story:

I had anticipated the day for many months. Over the last few weeks, my excitement grew as a steady stream of UPS & FEDEX trucks arrived with chapter supplies. First, it was our wear blue banners, next some tables. Other shipments followed with coolers, chalk, and plastic bins.

This Sunday is a wear blue race day.  I love wear blue race days… the energy. The purpose. The impact. And I get to meet so many amazing people!  Over 40 runners are tackling the inaugural Rock’n’Roll Raleigh Marathon and Half-Marathon, and over 50 volunteers will be a part of the wear blue Mile, bearing American flags in honor and remembrance of America’s fallen service members.  We are a people who understand and appreciate the incredible service and sacrifice of the American military.

"By the time I reached the Hains Point portion of the 2013 Marine Corps Marathon, I’d already run over 11 miles. I’d run the MCM many times, so I knew what this chunk of the course had to offer, and I was not looking forward to it..."