Marathoner uses running to encourage homeless

Regular exercise can make a big difference in your life. Runner Anne Mahlum learned that it can be used to make a big difference in the lives of others as well. Mahlum was training for a marathon on a route that took her past a homeless shelter every day. One day it occurred to her that instead of passing them by, she could include them in her sport. From that experience, she created the running group Back on My Feet.

Back on My Feet welcomes runners from three different Philadelphia shelters. Anyone from an affiliated shelter can join, and runners receive new running gear when they start the program. Today, the group includes 54 members from area shelters, though volunteers run as well. Back on My Feet has logged 5,000 miles and partners with a job training program that is open to members.

Mahlum hopes that her program will give people a sense of pride and accomplishment, as well as the knowledge that someone believes in them. Read more about Mahlum and the program at the Back on My Feet website.