GOLD STAR & SURVIVOR ENDURANCE PROGRAM
Move forward while honoring the past. Train, connect, and heal with those who understand.
What We Do
The Gold Star and Survivor Endurance Program provides a lifelong peer-support community for families who have lost a loved one in connection with military service. Through remembrance, physical challenge, and shared support, participants honor their fallen service members while building strength—both physically and emotionally.
Selected applicants will embark on an incredible journey, training side by side with their peers under the guidance of expert, certified running coaches to conquer a half or full marathon. Throughout the program, participants will engage in dynamic virtual coaching and mentorship sessions, building strength, resilience, and community. As part of this life-changing experience, athletes will receive running shoes, customized wear blue shirts, and fully covered race weekend lodging and travel. This is more than just a race—it's an opportunity to honor, connect, and achieve something truly extraordinary!
Who We Serve
We invite parents, siblings, spouses, and children 18 years or older whose loved one has passed away while in or due to military service, to become part of a supportive community that truly understands their experience.
A Journey of Healing & Connection
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Participants join a private digital support group where they can connect with others who share their journey.
Local wear blue Community Runs provide in-person opportunities to engage with others.
Families can share their stories and experiences in a safe, supportive environment.
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Participants receive a structured training plan developed by certified endurance coaches.
Coaches and mentors help participants set personal and training goals. Completing a half or full marathon serves as a powerful personal achievement in honor of their loved one.
Virtual coaching calls provide guidance on running form, injury prevention, nutrition, and mental resilience.
A personalized gear package includes running shoes and wear blue apparel.
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Participants have the opportunity to share their loved one’s story amongst peers who have experienced similar loss.
The program creates a lasting legacy, ensuring that each fallen hero is remembered.
The wear blue Mile experience provides a moving tribute during race weekend.
Participants take part in a structured, multi-month endurance training journey, culminating in a half or full marathon. Along the way, they receive:
Since its inception, hundreds of Gold Star and Surviving family members have found community, resilience, and renewed purpose through this program:
80%
80% of our participants feel a stronger connection to the survivor community.
100%
100% report that physical activity helps them manage grief.
90%
90% maintain lasting connections with peers.
83%
83% feel supported in honoring their loved one’s sacrifice.
Through shared remembrance and active movement, our families know their loved ones are never forgotten—and neither are they.
UPCOMING COHORTS
Marine Corps Marathon Cohort
Washington, D.C. | 22–26 October 2026
Applications Closed
Cowtown Half Marathon Cohort
Fort Worth, TX | TBD 2027
Are you a returning alumni? Stay connected with the wear blue community! Follow our Alumni Group, subscribe to our Newsletter, and be the first to hear about upcoming events and opportunities to run, remember, and honor together.
Know someone who should apply? Let us know, and we’ll send them a direct invite to join this life-changing experience!
Past Participants
The Gold Star and Survivor Endurance Program, formerly known as the Gold Star Race Program, was rebranded to better reflect the families we proudly serve and the benefits from participating in a multi-month mentorship program.
The Gold Star and Survivor Endurance Program is generously funded and supported by corporate sponsorship, strategic partners, and individuals committed to family members who have lost parents, siblings, spouses, and children due to or in military service.
Support the Program
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR
