Every Sole Counts to have inaugural run/walk: 4 on the 4th
Pictured Luke, Isaac and Brandon are an example of runners who just “love to run”. They are participating in the Every Sole Counts event coming up in July.
Four on the Fourth is an event that has deep meaning. This inaugural timed run/walk will take place on July 4 beginning at 8:00 a.m. at Liberty Park in Batesville, organized by Every Sole Counts.
The history behind Every Sole Counts is one of strength, courage, and raw will-power to push through. According to Curtis Gillman, who’s been an avid runner for on and off for 20 years, he knows the need for proper running gear, especially shoes!
Gillman said two years ago at the Hospice Run to Remember he, along with some members of What the Hill Running Club, met some incredible runners, Luke and Isaac, both of Batesville. Both Luke and Isaac are athletes with special needs, but Gillman stressed they are runners first. “They are just fast!” he exclaimed. Another runner, Brandon runs with them a lot. Gillman said Luke is a long-distance runner, very competitive, very serious. Isaac also runs long distance. Brandon is a speed runner. “They podium often,” Gillman said. He also noted, “They will always put a smile on your face,” of the three, who can liven up a bad day!
During events such as this, Gillman noticed that some of the runners didn’t have access to the basic equipment most people like for granted. Ed Horstman, another member of the running club and no relation to Luke, along with Gillman took an athlete to Fleet Feet in Cincinnati for a fitting. “The pride and joy on his face said it all. That moment sparked the idea for Every Sole Counts,” according to Gillman.
They, along with others from the Club, decided a fundraiser -and what else besides a run? – would be the way to raise the needed funds to purchase the proper running shoes. That’s when Every Sole Counts became more than a thought. They began to put their thoughts into action and soon the event was scheduled for this year. This event will help get shoes for many of the runners who might not have the funds otherwise.
Everyone is welcome and encouraged to be a part of Four on the Fourth event. The Club is now a 501 (c) (3) pending organization with a board committed board committed to empowering athletes with special needs by providing access to high-quality running gear tailored to their individual needs. “We believe every athlete – regardless of ability or financial circumstances – deserves the opportune to participate with confidence and comfort,” Gillman said.
They need runners, walkers, volunteers, along with financial sponsors for the event, which will make a difference in so many lives. You can contact Gillman at 812-212-1171 or curtisgillman0206@gmail.com.
What the Hill Running Club is not really a Club in the sense there are no membership requirements and no dues collected, according to Gillman. “We have a wonderful, loosely organized group here in town (Batesville)…one of the best things about our Club is its inclusivity.” He said people of all abilities and fitness levels are welcome. He noted some people walk. There are no meetings, no dues. The group just meets on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. and Thursdays at 5:30-6:00 p.m. at Liberty Park to walk, run, socialize and enjoy the great outdoors together. Great friendships come from the group who get together to exercise even if it’s just breathing in the fresh air.
