On 25 October, 12 Gold Star and Surviving family members will line up at the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC, each running in honor of a loved one whose life continues to shape their own. Meet the 2026 Gold Star & Survivor Endurance Program athletes, learn who they are honoring, and follow their journey to the start line.

wear blue: run to remember is honored to welcome Eric Meister and Josh Furlow to its Board of Directors. With decades of experience across military service, technology, endurance sports, live events, entertainment, and the public sector, Eric and Josh bring valuable expertise and a shared commitment to honoring the service and sacrifice of America’s military.

Learn more about Eric and Josh, their connections to wear blue, and the experience they bring to the organization as we continue to grow our communities and mission.

USA Team Handball has named Mike Tilton, longtime wear blue volunteer, as head coach and LaQuinta Haynes as assistant coach for the Wheelchair National Team. The new leadership will help guide the team as it prepares for future competition and continues building the future of wheelchair handball in the United States.

wear blue: run to remember and Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB) today announced "One Flag Forward," a joint 250-mile tribute to honor the 1.3 million Americans who have fallen in service to the nation. From September 12-16, nonprofit leaders Lisa Hallett, Gold Star Spouse and CEO and Co-Founder of wear blue: run to remember, CSM (Ret.) Lee Yoneyama, Chief Operating Officer of wear blue: run to remember, and Col. (Ret.) Michael “Sully” Sullivan, Executive Director of Team RWB, will carry a single American flag from New York City to Washington, D.C.

Healing doesn't happen in isolation.

In a recent story from BlueCross BlueShield, wear blue: run to remember's partnership with FEPBlue is highlighted as an example of how community, movement, and remembrance can strengthen veteran and military family well-being. The article explores the powerful connection between active remembrance and mental health, sharing how purposeful miles, meaningful connection, and spaces like the tribute wear blue Mile help veterans, military families, and survivors feel seen, supported, and connected. Through every step, remembrance becomes more than reflection - it becomes a path toward healing.

For nearly five decades, the Cowtown Marathon has brought the Fort Worth community together. This year, alongside stories of personal triumph, powerful acts of remembrance unfolded on the course.

Runners Erica Grone, Emily Lemoine, and Mike Donnelly also took part with wear blue: run to remember, a national nonprofit that creates living memorials through the steps of athletes and the presence of volunteers. Through a Circle of Remembrance before race weekend, they honored Staff Sergeant Tanner Grone and Green Beret William Brown, ensuring their names were spoken and their legacies carried forward.

For many, the marathon was more than a race. It was a promise kept. A family supported. A hero remembered.

Read the full story by Lawrence Dow with Star-Telegram.

After completing 100 100-mile races in memory of her son, Marine Veteran James “Dexter” Morris, Rosie Gagnon isn’t slowing down. From UTMB in France to Veterans Day trail ultras, Rosie is turning grief into action, running toward 200 finish lines to raise awareness for veteran suicide prevention and to honor every life lived.

After nearly a decade of grief, Ken Walker is choosing to do hard things again. As a Gold Star Husband honoring SPC Zandra “Niecy” Walker, KIA August 15, 2007, Ken is stepping into the Cowtown Half Marathon with the wear blue Gold Star and Survivor Endurance Program cohort. Each purposeful mile is part of his journey back to strength, resilience, and rediscovering love even in loss.

Jes Brouillette runs for his son, PO2 Chase Brouillette, carrying forward a legacy of faith, discipline, and service. What began as his first race just months after Chase’s death has become a “challenge to excellence,” a commitment to honor his son’s life while modeling strength, courage, and purpose for his family through every mile.

Fifteen years after losing her father, CW5 David R. Carter, Kaitlen Carter is stepping into her first half marathon with purpose. As a member of wear blue’s Gold Star and Survivor Endurance Program training for the Cowtown Half Marathon, Kaitlen runs to honor her dad’s life and legacy while reclaiming her own strength. Through movement, remembrance, and community, she is discovering that healing can happen one courageous mile at a time.