Lacing Up Leadership: Coach Pierce Inspires Young Runners at Feltwell Elementary
FELTWELL, United Kingdom — A simple student observation helped launch a new extracurricular opportunity at Feltwell Elementary School, where fifth-grade teacher Lindsay Pierce is helping students build confidence, stamina, and teamwork through the school’s newly established Run Club.
The club began during the first week of school when a student recognized Pierce’s passion for running and asked if she would consider starting a running club for students. That conversation quickly grew into a structured after-school program designed to promote physical fitness, goal setting, and student engagement.
“One of my students noticed that one of my favorite things is running,” Pierce said. “She asked me if I could host a running club here, and she said she would join.”
Pierce brings more than enthusiasm to the program. Running has been part of her life for 16 years, beginning after the birth of her first daughter when she joined a group of friends training for a half marathon in Alaska. Since then, she has maintained a consistent running routine throughout multiple duty stations, often completing two to three half marathons at each location. This year, she is preparing for her 15th half marathon, which will take place in Cambridge, where she is running in support of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice, an organization that provides care and support for children with serious medical conditions and their families.
Run Club is open to third through fifth grade students, with 15 students currently participating. The program focuses on building endurance, encouraging healthy habits, and creating an environment where students can enjoy physical activity while developing personal goals.
“My goal is for students to have fun while running,” Pierce said. “We focus on the social aspect and on increasing stamina each week.”
The club meets every Tuesday and begins with a warm-up activity that incorporates running drills or plyometric exercises. Students then move to the middle school track or elementary gymnasium depending on weather conditions. Music selected by the students plays during practice, helping maintain an energetic and supportive atmosphere. Each student tracks their laps weekly using a spreadsheet, allowing them to monitor progress and set achievable goals.
Students remain motivated by challenging themselves to improve their performance each week. Individualized goals help ensure that students of all ability levels feel successful and encouraged to continue improving. For some students, success means completing one additional lap, while others focus on maintaining consistent running intervals without stopping.
The program reflects Feltwell Elementary School’s commitment to supporting student wellness, leadership development, and positive school culture through engaging extracurricular opportunities. By encouraging goal setting and perseverance, the Run Club helps students build confidence both on and off the track.
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This initiative supports Strategic Goal 1: Student Excellence by promoting physical wellness, perseverance, and student engagement through extracurricular participation. It also supports Strategic Initiative 1.3 by expanding opportunities that strengthen student growth and overall well-being through school-sponsored activities.
The Department of War Education Activity remains committed to advancing student achievement and development through the Blueprint for Continuous Improvement.
