Running Group Encourages Homeless at He's Fit

Click here for the Lead Stories

Running Group Encourages Homeless

Posted April 8, 2008 at 01:00 PM by Megan Hueter

Section: In The News, His Health, Physical Health, His Inspiration, Success Stories

All too often, the streets of Philadelphia can be marked by homeless individuals whose inspiration stereotypically seem to have been lost in bad decisions, unfortunate circumstances or what some critics unwarrantably call pure laziness. But in the “city of brotherly love,” the homeless are stomping on the stereotypes… with their running shoes. That’s right—they’re joining together to overcome life’s challenges through one of the most self-disciplining sports out there—running.

Back On My Feet is non-profit organization that promotes the self-sufficiency of Philadelphia’s homeless population by engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem. Back on My Feet is much more than just running - it is a comprehensive program that offers connections to job training, educational scholarships and housing assistance.

The program was started by Anne Mahlum, who used to run through Philadelphia on early mornings and pass by a homeless shelter, whose inhabitants would cheer her on. One day, she decided to stop passing by.

“Why am I running past these guys?” recalls Mahlum, 27. “I’m moving my life forward every day—and these guys are standing in the same spot.”

So she contacted the shelter, got together some running gear through donations, launched the “Back On My Feet” running club in July 2007.

The first hot, summer day, the group ran one mile. Today, the group has logged more than 5,000 miles, and has more than 50 homeless members, teams in three Philadelphia shelters. and over 200 volunteers.

Back On My Feet is also part of Oprah’s Big Give on ABC.

Research sources and for more information: [CNN]; [Back On My Feet]