After losing her father, TSgt Steve Johnson, at age 14, Tegan Marrs found healing in movement. Now a mother and REI advocate, she’s training to run the Marine Corps Marathon with wear blue to honor his memory—and inspire others through her journey of remembrance and resilience.

We are thrilled to announce that our CEO and co-founder, Lisa Hallett, has been inducted into the Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) Civilian Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor recognizes her unwavering commitment to supporting military families through wear blue: run to remember. Since co-founding the organization after the loss of her husband, CPT John Hallett III, in 2009, Lisa has touched the lives of over 200,000 participants nationwide. At JBLM, her leadership has fostered a community where families can heal and connect through weekly runs, remembrance ceremonies, and youth mentorship events. In her acceptance speech, Lisa emphasized the power of community, stating, "Community is not a noun; it's a verb."

Twelve remarkable athletes. Twelve powerful legacies. Meet the 2025 Gold Star and Survivor Endurance Program team as they prepare to run the Marine Corps Marathon in honor of their fallen loved ones. Together, they are transforming grief into purpose, one mile at a time.

After losing her husband in a military helicopter crash, Army veteran Samantha Barnes found healing and hope through wear blue: run to remember, a nonprofit honoring fallen service members through movement and remembrance. Seeking a way to support her daughters and herself, she turned to the organization’s Gold Star Youth Mentorship and Endurance programs. Now, as the volunteer community-run leader at Fort Campbell, Samantha brings people together each Memorial Day to remember the fallen — a powerful tradition built on connection, resilience, and purpose.

U.S. Army service member Kymberly Koenig shares her inspiring journey with wear blue: run to remember, from a chance encounter at the Army Ten-Miler to becoming a dedicated mentor in the Gold Star Youth Mentorship Program. In this heartfelt interview, Kymberly reflects on the power of remembrance, the healing strength of community, and the future of supporting military families through purposeful movement and connection.

Lace up with purpose at the 2025 SATX Marathon Weekend! Join wear blue: run to remember as we honor the service and sacrifice of our military heroes. Whether you’re tackling the 5K, Half, or Full Marathon, your miles matter. Use code wearblueSATX at checkout to receive $10 off your registration and run in remembrance.

After surviving a helicopter crash in 2006 that claimed the lives of eight Marines and two airmen, Susan Craig made a quiet, unwavering promise: to carry their names forward. Today, through wear blue: run to remember, Susan gathers a Lakeville community each month to honor those lives — not with fanfare, but with purposeful steps, spoken names, and a circle of remembrance.

​Every Saturday morning, a dedicated group gathers at DuPont Powderworks Park to honor fallen military heroes. Among them are Gold Star families, mentors, and volunteers who recite the names of those they've lost, ensuring their legacies endure. The Parmar family, for instance, commemorates Sgt. First Class Abraham Parmar, a devoted father of eight who passed away in 2019 due to injuries sustained during his service. This weekly tribute, organized by wear blue: run to remember, offers solace and a sense of community to families like the Parmars, reinforcing the enduring bond among those who have sacrificed for our nation.

wear blue: run to remember proudly welcomes Mona Dexter to our Board of Directors. A longtime member of the wear blue movement, Mona’s journey began in 2015 when she first ran through the Blue Mile at the Marine Corps Marathon. Now, as a dedicated advocate for military families and veterans, she brings her passion and leadership to further our mission of honoring the fallen and supporting those who serve.

Running is more than just movement—it’s remembrance, resilience, and connection. For Gold Star families, the simple act of lacing up their shoes and stepping onto the pavement carries the weight of honor and healing. In a recent feature by North State Journal, wear blue: run to remember’s mission to unite surviving families through purposeful steps takes center stage. This powerful story highlights how our community transforms miles into memories, ensuring that no fallen service member is ever forgotten.