As the Marine Corps Marathon approaches, Sommer Taha and Amie Kalsbeek reflect on their 20-week journey of dedication, resilience, and remembrance. As part of the Gold Star Race Program, they’ve trained not only for themselves but in honor of their loved ones—SSG Ayman Taha and ENS John Untalan Kalsbeek. Their race is a tribute to the heroes they’ve lost, reminding us of the strength found in love and community.

These two Gold Star Race Program athletes are honoring their brothers through a deeply personal and meaningful journey to the Marine Corps Marathon. Each step they take is a tribute to their fallen siblings—one, remembering her younger brother Cesar, who brought strength and joy to their family, with plans to run marathons together before he enlisted in the Army; the other, running in honor of James, whose deep love for the military and passion for service shaped his life. For both, this marathon is not only a physical challenge but also a chance to celebrate their brothers' legacies, turning their grief into a powerful act of remembrance.

Meet Michael Moore and Carla Sizer, two of our inspiring Gold Star Race Program athletes participating in this year's Marine Corps Marathon. Michael runs in memory of his son, Cpl. Jacob Moore, while Carla honors her son, SPC Dane Balcon. Their stories of resilience and dedication highlight the powerful connection between grief and purpose as they train to complete this endurance race in honor of their fallen loved ones. Stay tuned to learn more about their incredible journeys.

Join wear blue: run to remember in Washington, D.C., for the Marine Corps Marathon and stand alongside our partners—BlueCross BlueShield, JLL, and TRSS—as we honor and support our Gold Star and Surviving family members. Run with purpose, remember the fallen, and celebrate resilience during this powerful tribute. Be part of an unforgettable experience that connects our running community and honors the legacies of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

When asked by Military Times how she thought she’d feel after completing the Sunday’s run, she paused and took a deep breath.

Her husband was her best friend, her better half, the father of her children, and they planned an extraordinary life together. But at some point, Hallett realized she needed to continue growing and shaping herself in ways that weren’t defined by her husband’s death.

The wear blue: run to remember community unites runners, walkers, veterans, service members, Gold Star families, and supporters to honor the service and sacrifice of the American military. Founded by co-founder Lisa Hallett and after the loss of CPT John Hallett in 2009, wear blue has grown into a nationwide movement offering six impactful programs that support 3,900 lives annually. This community provides a vital network of support, bridging the civilian-military divide, fostering wellness, and creating a lasting legacy of remembrance. The wear blue community stands as a beacon of hope, offering strength and connection to those navigating the challenges of military life and loss.

Our Gold Star Race Program athletes recently completed the San Francisco Marathon, honoring their loved ones' service and sacrifice. Over 20 weeks, these dedicated athletes—Gold Star and surviving family members—trained with professional running coaches and nutrition experts. The program emphasized physical training, emotional resilience, and healthy coping through exercise, which aids in managing grief. During race weekend, athletes participated in community-building activities, emotional support sessions, and a tribute at the wear blue Mile. Their resilience and determination in conquering the 26.2-mile challenge exemplify the strength and spirit of our wear blue community and the impact of honoring loved ones through purposeful steps.

In the heart of our Gold Star Race Program, we are proud to introduce two women who are preparing to take on the challenge of their first full marathon. These women carry the legacy of their fathers with grace, resilience, and unwavering determination. They pay tribute to their fathers' sacrifices and inspire us all with their strength and courage.

We are excited to introduce the next three athletes representing wear blue: run to remember in San Francisco! Their dedication honors the service and sacrifice of the American military. Each brings a unique story and commitment to our cause. Join us in welcoming these inspiring individuals and stay tuned for their incredible journeys and achievements!

As we count down the days to the San Francisco Marathon, we're honored to introduce two remarkable athletes from our Gold Star Race Program (GSRP) who are running in memory of their fathers. Meet Quinn and Joe, two sons, driven by love and remembrance, embody the spirit of resilience and dedication.