Kiersten Clinger: Running a Marathon, Wrapped in Her Brother’s Hug

At just 23 years old, Kiersten Clinger of Dayton, Ohio is preparing to run her very first marathon at the 50th Marine Corps Marathon. She runs for her older brother, Sgt Tristan M Clinger, who died by suicide in 2015 at the age of 28.

Kiersten shares, “I run for my older brother Sgt. Tristan M. Clinger who took his own life at 28 years old in 2015. I run because loss is difficult, and a loss to suicide is a whole other can of worms. I run with wear blue because this community has done so much for my family in helping us navigate our grief, and I want to continue growing through my grief with my family, while also growing closer to my brother and his memory. He was such an amazing, dedicated man who would take any challenge head on, and I try to channel that as I take my steps each day towards running this marathon in his honor.”

Tristan, she recalls, was passionate and full of life. He loved the outdoors—fishing, hiking, camping, and appreciating nature’s beauty. He poured his heart into his family and his service, never doing anything halfway. And he was known for his hugs—something Kiersten still treasures when she thinks of him. “No one gave hugs like Tristan,” she says. “When things get tough, I imagine I’m wrapped up in one of his—the best big brother hug a girl could ask for.”

Though she has never run a marathon before, Kiersten is no stranger to discipline and determination. Her years in color guard and drum corps demanded long hours, resilience, and grit—qualities she now channels in her training.

Her connection to wear blue is also a family affair. If you’ve ever experienced a wear blue Mile, you’ve likely seen her parents, Dan and Darlene Clinger. They are among the driving force behind the planning, set up, and break down of these powerful tributes. For Kiersten, joining the Gold Star and Survivor Endurance Program is a natural extension of her family’s service. “To be able to run a marathon for Tristan while also joining my parents’ commitment to honoring the fallen feels like a full-circle way to carry on his memory,” she reflects.

As Kiersten looks toward race day, she extends an invitation to others: join her family on the wear blue Mile. Whether by running, volunteering, or standing in remembrance, every act of service helps ensure that Sgt. Tristan Clinger—and all of America’s fallen—are never forgotten.

Kiersten’s journey is also supported by the broader wear blue community and its partners. The tribute wear blue Mile, a powerful moment of remembrance during race weekends, is made possible in part by BlueCross BlueShield. Their support helps ensure that every participant, volunteer, and Gold Star and Surviving family can honor their loved ones safely and meaningfully, creating a lasting impact with every step taken in memory of our fallen heroes.