In 2007, Peggy Muller and Julie Arnold introduced Hagerstown students to the Indy Minimarathon. After pausing for the pandemic, they hope to revive the tradition, marking its 20th anniversary.
Muller, a fourth grade teacher, and Arnold, a high school counselor, were frequent minimarathon participants. One year, they noticed a group of students at the race.
“That was kind of the beginning of our idea to take sixth, seventh and eighth graders out there,” said Muller.
After recruitment, students began training in March and April: twice a week after school and longer practices on Saturday mornings. Students trained to walk or run 13 miles.
“You know, when we started, that was, to them, a huge number of miles. But, they were able to walk longer distances each weekend. And finally prove one day that they could do 13,” said Muller.
Muller said competition was never the motive, but to acclimate students to new experiences, be more social and make new friends. They offered scholarships through community sponsors to cover registration, shoe and transportation costs.
“We were so fortunate. We never had to turn a kid away because they couldn’t afford it,” she said.
At its peak, the annual trip saw 100 participants, including teachers and parents. Participation waned as many became involved with extracurricular activities. The group’s last minimarathon was in 2019. The next year, the pandemic canceled the event. Attempts to recruit afterward gained little interest.
2027 will mark 20 years since their first race, and Muller hopes their call-out efforts receive a strong response.
Registration for the May 8, 2027 race is open at indymini.com. For more information, email pmuller@nettlecreek.k12.in.us or jarnold@nettlecreek.k12.in.us.
A version of this article appeared in the May 13 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
