ETHAN, S.D. — Janae Gustafson had always dreamed of being a runner, but she was never the fastest. Today, she channels her passion for running into inspiring young girls to embrace the sport, encouraging them to celebrate their achievements regardless of their pace.

Gustafson, a graduate of Ethan High School, is just one of a handful of mentors, mostly junior and senior high school students, encouraging young runners in Ethan to lace up their sneakers and embrace the joys of physical activity and personal growth.

The BeYOUtiful Strides Running Club, founded in 2015 by parents Angie Mueller and Angie Klock, is a program focused on fostering physical health and personal growth among elementary-aged children.

The club, designed for girls in grades three through six, meets twice a week from September to November. Each session begins with a Bible devotion and character-building lesson, followed by 30 minutes of walking and running. Participants also memorize weekly scripture verses, a practice aimed at inspiring them both on and off the track.

“We wanted to create a space where girls could not only learn to run but also grow in their faith and self-confidence,” Mueller said.

This year, the club has attracted 55 participants, all eager to discover their potential.

The program culminates in the Sparkle Run, a non-competitive 5K event where each girl is paired with an older mentor. The run, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 2, embodies the club’s guiding principle from Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine.”

The success of BeYOUtiful Strides has inspired a parallel program for boys called Pathfinders. Meeting on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, it focuses on leadership and camaraderie, with 25 boys participating this year. The boys’ program concludes with the Warrior 5K.

“It’s exciting to see how the girls’ program has grown and now spreads to boys,” said Mueller. “With both groups combined, we have 75 kids participating this year—a remarkable achievement for a small town like Ethan.”

Gustafson, the club’s first mentor, has seen the program evolve.

“When we started, it was just me with the Angies and a handful of girls. Now, it’s a community event.”

Gustafson’s own journey with running mirrors the club’s mission. Despite not being the fastest runner, she recently achieved her long-held dream of completing a half marathon, inspired by the determination of the girls she mentors.

“As I trained, I thought of all the young girls in the running club and how much determination and effort they put in every week,” Gustafson said.

The club’s impact extends beyond physical fitness.

“Running club isn’t only about running; it teaches these younger girls their worth comes from the love that Jesus has for us,” said junior mentor Rachel Klock.

Madi Raymond, a senior who has been involved since third grade, now serves as a mentor.

“I strive to be the mentor I would have wanted—one who encourages them and helps them learn to encourage others,” she said.

Parents have noticed positive changes in their children. Fredel Thomas, whose three daughters and son participate, appreciates how the early morning sessions instill healthy habits and foster friendships.

“It teaches them healthy habits for a lifetime,” Thomas said. “My son bounces right out of bed to go to running club.”

Thomas praised the scripture memorization component as well.

“In a world full of distractions, this program provides a focused start to the day,” Thomas said.

The club has also provided emotional support during challenging times. Jen Klumb recounted how the program helped her daughter Tenlee cope with a family crisis.

“After a morning running club session, Tenlee came to my classroom with a sense of peace,” Klumb recalled. “She told me she knew God had her grandpa in His hands. Her whole perspective had shifted.”

As BeYOUtiful Strides approaches its tenth Sparkle Run, its impact on Ethan is clear. The program has not only created runners but also fostered a supportive community where young people can develop physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Its success has even sparked interest in neighboring communities like Parkston, where parents are exploring similar initiatives.

“We celebrate every girl who crosses the finish line — celebrating finish lines, not finish times,” Mueller said.

Jennifer Leither joined the Mitchell Republic in April 2024. She was raised in Sioux Falls, S.D. where she attended Lincoln High School. She continued her education at South Dakota State University, graduating in December 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. During her time in college, Leither worked as a reporter for the campus newpaper, The Collegian. She also interned for Anderson Publications in Canistota, SD the summer of 2000. Upon graduation, Leither continued to reside in the Sioux Falls area and worked as a freelance writer for the Argus Leader for a number of years.
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