Running 26.2 Miles for Her Dad

Kenna Campbell was nine years old when she lost her dad, Major Shawn M Campbell, on 14 January 2016.

Ten years later, at 19 years old, Kenna is preparing to take on her first full marathon at the Marine Corps Marathon in honor of him.

Major Campbell served as a CH-53E helicopter pilot in the Marine Corps. When Kenna remembers her dad, she thinks first of his sense of humor.

“I mostly remember how funny he was, always ready to make someone laugh.”

She also remembers how kind and goofy he was – a side of him that might surprise people who knew him as a Marine.

“You would never expect a US Marine to be so silly, he was truly a light in this world for the time he was here.”

Kenna's connection to wear blue: run to remember began with her uncle. Ten years ago, he ran the Marine Corps Marathon in honor of Shawn. He wore a wear blue shirt and finished all 26.2 miles despite having a stomach bug.

That experience introduced Kenna to the wear blue community. Today, she is taking on the same marathon herself.

A two-time half marathon runner, Kenna is looking forward to the physical and mental challenge of completing 26.2 miles. She also sees the marathon as an opportunity to honor her dad and the legacy he left with her.

“I love running, and I want to honor my dads legacy, especially by participating in the Marine Corps Marathon.”

For Kenna, being a Gold Star and Surviving child is a title she never wanted. But it has also connected her with people who have supported her and shaped the person she has become.

“I love seeing the numerous people who support Gold Star and Surviving families like mine, we have been through a lot, but I wouldn't change a thing because being a Gold Star kid has shaped me into who I am today.”

The wear blue community has given Kenna another place to see that shared experience. She is inspired by Gold Star and Surviving family members from across the country, living different lives but coming together to honor the people they lost.

“It's beautiful to see everyone running to honor the memory of their person.”

Now a student at Palm Beach Atlantic University, a sister of four, and a future nurse, Kenna is adding marathon training to an already full life. The challenge of running a full marathon is one she is choosing for herself, but she is also approaching it as an opportunity to honor her dad and the other service members whose lives were cut short.

For Kenna, loss is part of her story, but it is not the end of it.

“Loss doesn't ruin you forever, instead it can help you grow into someone capable of running 26.2 miles!”

This October, Kenna will find out what those 26.2 miles hold. She will run for her dad, Major Shawn M Campbell, and for the person she has become since losing him.