Although many people try to find other methods of exercise, running is one of the best ways to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. Staff of Pendleton Elementary could teach students the health facts about the benefits of running, but through the creation of the Sole Sisters running club, the students found the joy and benefits of running first hand.
After the girls’ Sole Sisters running club was formed and gained popularity, the Band of Brothers boys’ running club was established and was also quick to gather members.
In 2024, members of the Open Hearts, Open Purses organization voted and awarded the Sole Sisters and Band of Brothers running clubs a $10,000 grant to further their programs.
Pendleton Elementary School, the origin of the Sole Sisters and Band of Brothers running clubs, plans to use the grant to expand their programs to the other two elementary schools in the South Madison Community School Corporation, East Elementary and Maple Ridge Elementary.
During their presentation, Principal Melissa Hagerman shared one student’s love for Sole Sisters, saying that it was her favorite part of Thursdays. Fifth-grade teacher Sara Ragan said, “Hearing the students encourage each other on their runs is hard to quantify, but impossible to place a value on.”
The students’ love for running and bonding with their peers every Thursday after school will impact them for the rest of their lives. Students experiencing the benefits of running and spending time with friends while forming healthy habits, mindsets, and relationships is a skill that will stay within each participant for their lifetime.