Celebrating the Inaugural Gold Star Race Program Alumni Weekend in San Antonio
From December 6–8, wear blue: run to remember will host its first-ever Gold Star Race Program (GSRP) Alumni Weekend in San Antonio, Texas coinciding with the San Antonio Rock-n-Roll Marathon. Nearly 50 alumni athletes, representing cohorts as far back as 2015, will reunite to honor their fallen service members, foster community, and participate in a weekend of purpose and remembrance.
This gathering is a long-awaited vision brought to life, uniting families of fallen service members and Gold Star community members from across the nation. Representing the Army, Marines, Navy, and Air Force, participants include parents, siblings, and children of fallen service members. Together, they will honor loved ones spanning decades of service and sacrifice, with the earliest loss remembered dating back to 1991.
A Weekend of Purposeful Steps
Throughout the weekend, alumni will join wear blue in purposeful steps to honor their fallen service members. Some will run the full or half marathon, while others will stand shoulder to shoulder on the wear blue Mile, proudly holding flags that bear the names of their heroes.
Carla Sizer, Mother of US Army SPC Dane R Balcon, KIA 5 September 2007
When asked why she chose to join wear blue for Alumni Weekend in San Antonio, Carla shared:
“I wanted to connect with others who understand the depth of this loss. There’s a unique bond that forms between those of us who have lost someone in service, and I find comfort and strength in that. It’s also an opportunity to share my son’s story, to reflect on his life, and to be surrounded by people who truly honor the sacrifices made. Alumni Weekend is a chance to honor not only my son but all fallen heroes, and to find healing together with others who walk this difficult but powerful path.”
Building Connection and Community
This weekend is the culmination of months of connection and preparation. Since July, alumni have gathered monthly to share stories of their fallen service members, build bonds, and learn tools to help them navigate both race weekend and life beyond it. These calls have been a space of remembrance, mentorship, and encouragement, reinforcing the community and support that define the Gold Star Race Program.
As we’ve shared with every participant:
“Our goal is to make sure your GSRP cohort race weekend experience with wear blue doesn’t end there. We are committed to continuing to support you, honor your loved one, and foster a community of care for all of you,” says Gold Star Alumni Race Program Director, Jessica Alley.
This Alumni Weekend is the fulfillment of that promise—a space for healing, growth, and connection that transcends race day.
A Tribute to Service and Sacrifice
This historic weekend will bring together a diverse group of runners and flag carriers, each united by a shared mission to honor our nation’s fallen heroes. For some, this weekend will mark their first full marathon, while others will be running a half marathon. For others, it’s a return to the wear blue community that first supported them through loss. But for all, this weekend is a testament to resilience, strength, and the enduring legacy of their loved ones.
We’re proud to celebrate this momentous occasion and grateful to KPMG and JLL for their partnership in bringing this vision to life. Together, we honor the past, embrace the present, and create a future grounded in purposeful remembrance.
To our GSRP alumni and wear blue Family: thank you for continuing to take purposeful steps to honor and remember. We can’t wait to see you in San Antonio.
