Beyond the Community Run: Honoring Service at IRONMAN 70.3 Augusta
The wear blue: run to remember Augusta community demonstrated its dedication to service and remembrance at the IRONMAN 70.3 Augusta for the 12th consecutive year. Volunteers not only supported local and international triathletes but also honored fallen service members, showing that the impact of wear blue extends far beyond the Community Run.
This year, the aid station was located at mile 46 of the bike course, continuing a tradition of seven years along the cycling route. Volunteers provided hydration, energy bars, gels, bananas, and encouragement to athletes as they navigated one of the race’s most challenging segments.
Remembrance remained central to the event. Approximately 142 tribute posters of fallen service members were displayed at the aid station, many with ties to the Augusta area or Fort Gordon. Among the volunteers was Esther Good, president of the Augusta University Gold Star Family Organization, who honored her brother, PO3 Matthew Stephen Good, lost while on active duty in a non-combat incident.
Some moments carried deeply personal significance. Local Gold Star family member Mario Tudor and his wife requested that the tribute poster of SSG Steven R. Tudor, Mario’s brother who was KIA on April 21, 2007, be placed in a prominent location. After passing the aid station, Mario stopped to personally thank volunteers for honoring his brother, a powerful testament to the community’s commitment to remembrance.
Approximately 23 volunteers, including active-duty troops from Fort Gordon, local veterans, and community members, served from 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Aid Station Captains, Jamie Graham and Joe Matosian, the Augusta Community Run Leader, led the team to ensure both athletes and memories of fallen heroes were honored with care.
wear blue: run to remember is a predominantly volunteer-led organization. In 2024 alone, volunteers donated 10,597 hours, with an accepted value of $33.49 per hour,contributing more than $354,893 in time and service. From its grassroots beginnings to present-day impact, volunteers remain the heartbeat of wear blue. What started as a volunteer-led movement continues through dedication and an extraordinary community. Every stride, life touched, and honor rendered stems from their countless hours, passion, and commitment. Their expertise and love for the mission enable wear blue to deliver world-class programming that honors military service and sacrifice. Research confirms that volunteering fosters meaningful relationships through shared purpose; wear blue volunteers aren’t just supporting the mission—they are the mission in motion, building connections while serving a greater cause.
The Augusta Community’s continued participation is supported in part by a grant from the IRONMAN Foundation, helping wear blue sustain its tradition of service, remembrance, and community engagement. Through every poster displayed and every cheer offered to passing athletes, volunteers embody the spirit of wear blue, honoring sacrifice while fostering connection in action.
The Augusta Community’s work is a powerful example of the impact volunteers can have when they come together for a cause greater than themselves. If you’re looking to join a community or even lead your own, you can find a local group near you and get involved at www.wearblueruntoremember.org/communities. Every step, every mile, and every act of remembrance matters and there’s a place for you in our communities.
