Liana is Stronger Than Ever: Runs Her First Marathon in Honor of Her Husband
Liana Borel runs in honor of her husband, CPT Thomas Borel, a psychiatry resident physician at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, HI. In 2019, Tom lost his battle with his inner demons, just weeks after the birth of their son, Christian. Tom was a calm, caring man who deeply loved his family, friends, colleagues, and patients. He was proud to serve his country, and outside of his work, he was an avid runner and reader.
“My story behind wear blue: run to remember is a little backwards,” Liana shares. “I received an email about the Gold Star and Survivor Endurance Program and immediately thought of my sister-in-law, Julia. She’s the runner, not me! I forwarded it to her, and within minutes she signed up and told me I should too. Ten weeks later, here I am—stronger than I’ve been in a long time.”
For Liana, the Endurance Program has been a source of remembrance, healing, and personal growth. One of the most powerful lessons she has learned is that you don’t have to be a runner to sign up. As the coaches remind participants: “If you can run—you are a runner.”
“The Gold Star and Survivor Endurance Program has gone above and beyond my expectations,” she says. “Everyone is so knowledgeable, and as someone new to long-distance running, the support and encouragement have been invaluable. The program welcomes both seasoned marathoners and first-time runners like me, creating a space where every step has meaning.”
Now preparing for her first marathon, Liana sees every mile as a tribute to Tom. “This marathon will be a milestone. Each mile is a step in my grieving process and a way to honor Tom. I am so thankful for this group and for the chance to run alongside my sister-in-law in honor of our favorite person, Tom. Through the Endurance Program, I’ve realized running isn’t about speed or experience—it’s about showing up, taking each step with purpose, and honoring those we love.”
Cohort Update
The current Gold Star and Survivor Endurance Program cohort has formed an inspiring bond that extends far beyond the training plan. As Rachel Elizalde-Powell, Director of the program, shares:
"This cohort has meshed so beautifully. They support each other every weekend, especially during the long runs. Just this past weekend, which included one of the longer runs (18–20 miles), they were all sending uplifting messages to one another. When two members had to do their long run on Sunday, everyone was up early to cheer them on and check in. It was truly beautiful and so inspiring."
Their camaraderie reflects the core spirit of the Endurance Program: connection, support, and purposeful action in honor of fallen service members. This October, the tribute wear blue Mile will honor over 275 military service members, and the cohort’s dedication exemplifies the powerful impact of community in remembering and celebrating their service.
