Army Widow, 43, Runs Over 90 Miles to Honor Husband on 15th Anniversary of His Death (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Lisa Hallett and her children.Photo:Lynsey Strader

Lynsey Strader

“My heart was broken and this new world felt crushingly overwhelming,” Hallett, 43, tells PEOPLE. “I was left to raise our three babies, Jackson, Bryce and Heidi, all on my own.”

But, she says, “in addition to what I lost, I was equally devastated for all that John would miss.”

John and Lisa Hallett with sons Jackson and Bryce.Wear Blue: Run to Remember

Wear Blue: Run to Remember

In the years since, Hallett says she’s made a point of finding ways to honor the impact her husband made during his lifetime.

“Each year on the anniversary of John’s passing, I tackle a challenge that is worthy of the boldness of John’s life, service, and love of country,” she says.

Lisa and John Hallett.Wear Blue: Run to Remember

This year, Hallett wanted to go “big” — and she “knew that circumnavigating the 93-mile Wonderland Trail was the answer.”

John Hallett.Wear Blue: Run to Remember

Speaking with PEOPLE following the “majestic” run, Hallett explains how she was able to push herself through the daunting terrain.

“I had to focus on one moment at a time: crossing the river, finding stable footing up a mountain pass, filtering water for the next valley, avoiding gnarled tree roots on a pass descent,” she says.

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But Hallett admits that “as darkness settled in…so did doubts about being able to complete the 93-mile challenge.”

But, thanks in part to other runners on the course, who provided her with emotional support, Hallett says that she “was reminded that even in the hard, all things are possible.”

Lisa Hallett.Lynsey Strader

In addition to taking on a new experience on behalf of her husband, Hallett says there was another important aspect to the run. “Just like he served his county, this challenge needed to be about going good for others,” she says.

This year, Hallett says her run raised money for Gold Star families (families of military members that were killed in the line of duty) through the help of her nonprofit organizationWear Blue: Run to Remember.

“Each donation allows us to expand high-touch, high-impact programs for families of the fallen, including our Gold Star Youth Mentorship Program, Gold Star Race Program and national community runs,” Hallett says.

As of Friday, Sept 13, more than $116,000has been raised.

Lisa Hallett.Wear Blue: Run to Remember

Still, Hallett notes she’s looking to other “big, beautiful ways” to honor John in the future.

“Each year the challenge will look a little different,” she says.

Lisa Hallett and kids.Lynsey Strader

“I remember in the days, months, and even years after John died, people would ask, ‘How do you do it? How do you survive the loss of your husband and raise your three babies on your own?’ ” she recalls. “Inevitably, the same person would answer the question, ‘Well, I guess you just did what you had to do. You had no choice.’ "

No matter what, she says, “There is another sunrise to see, another mountain to climb, another goal to achieve.”

source: people.com