For runners, there can be many reasons in deciding to train for either a half marathon (13.1 miles) or full marathon (26.2 miles).

For the runners in "wear blue: run to remember" (Run to Remember), running either the Seattle Rock'n'Roll half or full marathon on June 25, was the easy part.

The group was initially formed by a group of Army wives, led by Lisa Hallett, who lost her husband, Capt. John Hallett, in a deployment to Afghanistan.  In July 2009, Soldiers with the 2nd Infantry Division, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team deployed to southern Afghanistan, and lost 41 Soldiers during the yearlong deployment. To this day, the group has grown significantly, and includes Servicemembers, Gold Star families, and community members who want to show their support for the group.

The night prior to the race, Run to Remember gathered at the Tacoma Landmark Convention Center for their Dinner of Remembrance. The evening began with a social hour, followed by dinner, then guest speakers. Speakers included Commanding Officer Col. Barry Huggins from the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry division, as well as esteemed runners Joan Benoit-Samuelson and Geoff Hollister.

Race day morning brought a nervous excitement for the race as the group started making their way to the 17th corral, a nod to the 1-17th Infantry Batallion that John and 23 fallen soldiers were a part of. The group formed their circle, as they do every Saturday morning in DuPont, and began calling out names of the fallen for which they were running to remember.

Race announcers introduced the group, calling names out as well, as the sea of Run to Remember runners made their way across the start line.

Seven miles after winding through industrial roads and neighborhoods, 26,000 runners would follow the road along Lake Washington, and eventually pass in and out of Run to Remember's water station. Here, group members were volunteering, as well as Soldiers with 5-5 Air Defense Artillery (ADA).

"It felt great giving back," said Pfc. Hannah Zeiser, one of six Soldiers who volunteered.  "Having people appreciate us being out there, and for serving, was awesome."

"It was great being able to give something back for the families," Pfc. Kenneth Little added. "I had an amazing experience, and would do this again".

The station was lined with American flags, with a ribbon that bore the name of each of the fallen. There were also photos of each of the Soldiers killed in action throughout the station, complete with dates and their ages. Different emotions were felt by runners going through the station - some saluting the flags, some clapping, and a few shedding some tears. Friends and family of the fallen stopped at their loved one's flags, hugging them and holding them close to their heart, as if their Soldier was there with them one last time.

Emotions were not left on the course, as members continue on in their journey through the healing process of losing their loved ones. For more information on how to get involved or to donate, visit to the group's website at: www.wearblueruntoremember.org.