Helen Knowles: More than a Marathon

On October 30, Dr. Helen Knowles will tackle 26.2 miles through the streets of our nation’s capital to complete the 47th Marine Corps Marathon. Crossing a marathon finish line is a significant accomplishment for any runner, but for Knowles, the event is much more than a race medal - it’s an opportunity to honor Navy veteran Mark McNabb. 

Knowles began race walking in college in 1999. She’s completed 18 in-person marathons, one virtual Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund marathon, two virtual Marine Corps Marathons, and an in-person Maine Marathon. 

Knowles joined Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB) in 2018 after learning about the organization at a local 10k and has been an active member ever since.  

“I was struck by the camaraderie and how amazing it was that they were running with the flag. I took note of the name of the organization on their shirts and quickly reached out to the leader of the Syracuse chapter,” said Knowles.

In April 2021, at the Gettysburg Half Marathon, Knowles was offered the choice of photos of two veterans to carry with her for an organization known as 22 Too Many, which recognizes veterans and service members lost to suicide.

“I randomly chose Mark McNabb because he was in the Navy, like my husband. I PR'd [personal record] in that race!,” said Knowles. 

After the race, Knowles found connections between McNabb and her personal story and since that day she has felt a profound spiritual connection to him.

“He worked on subs, so his rating was slightly different, but generally he and my husband had the same rating. Also, Mark was born and raised in western Washington, and for most of my husband's six years in the Navy he was based out of Bremerton, WA, and I have deep ties to WA. I've written two books about the region's history,” said Knowles.

In July, Knowles made the decision to run the Marine Corps Marathon in-person after meeting Mark McNabb’s father, Jay, also a Navy and Vietnam veteran. Knowles traveled to Washington State to run two races and spent time getting to know Jay. One race was an uphill battle, but she was carried by Mark’s spirit and finished with a burst of speed. At the other race, she was met by Jay’s embrace and a flood of tears right at the finish line.  

“I was so moved by that experience that I immediately signed up for the Marine Corps Marathon for Team RWB, knowing full well it would require a lot of different training,” said Knowles.

Next week, when Knowles passes through the starting line at the 47th Marine Corps Marathon, she’ll carry an American flag and a photo of McNabb, all while wearing the Team RWB Eagle and signifying that she is part of something greater than herself. 

To learn more about races and fundraising entries with Team RWB, visit our partner event page.