Meet wear blue’s Gold Star and Survivor Endurance Program athlete Jessica, who is taking on her first marathon in honor of her brother, SPC Jarrod A. Lallier, a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne. As a mother of three and an elementary school teacher, Jessica is making time for training while carrying Jarrod’s story forward and honoring the fallen service members represented by her cohort.

Meet Gold Star and Survivor Endurance Program athlete Rae Herlong, who is returning to the marathon distance she once struggled to complete, this time in honor of her younger brother, Army SSG Nolan Parks Barham. Training for the Marine Corps Marathon has given Rae a way to remember her brother, carry the names of others in her cohort, and take on 26.2 miles with a community beside her.

Meet wear blue’s Gold Star and Survivor Endurance Program athletes Tim and Kay Jabin, who are returning to running together nearly 40 years after they first ran as a young couple. This October, they will take on the Marine Corps Marathon in honor of their son, AW Tyrone Anthony Jabin, carrying his memory with them through every mile and finding strength in the time they share on the road.

Meet Gold Star and Survivor Endurance Program athlete Julie Sperry, a lifelong runner who is taking on her first marathon in honor of her late husband, SGT Jon M. Skogen. Jon “absolutely hated running,” but he supported Julie’s love for it. Now, every training run gives Julie an opportunity to honor his life and service while carrying his memory with her toward 26.2 miles.