In a peer-reviewed study by Elaine M. Rutkowski, PhD, RN, CNS, PHN, a professor at the California State University, Fullerton School of Nursing, has confirmed what many WeROCK runners and families already know: training for and completing a marathon as a young teen can have life-changing benefits that last well into adulthood.

Published in the Journal of Community Medicine & Public Health, the study followed former participants of the WeROCK program and explored how marathon training during middle school shaped their health, mindset, and life choices as young adults.

Building Stronger Bodies and Minds

Participants overwhelmingly reported that the discipline of endurance training carried over into their adult lives. Many still run regularly or stay active through fitness, sports, or outdoor activities. Others shared how completing a marathon as an adolescent gave them confidence to take on daunting challenges later, whether in college, the workplace, or even military academies.

As one runner explained:

 

“Since I was so young when I went through the program, it laid a good foundation for a lot of important life lessons. I can do anything that I set my mind to.”

Lifelong Lessons in Grit and Goal-Setting

The study revealed six major themes: family and peer support, fitness, positive memories, overcoming difficulties, influence on life decisions, and long-lasting effects. Beyond physical health, participants cited perseverance, teamwork, and resilience as core takeaways.

Several noted that when faced with life’s challenges, they still apply the same mindset they learned while tackling tough long runs: break big goals into small steps, prepare consistently, and never give up.

One participant compared finishing schoolwork to marathon training:

 

“I know that since I was able to run a great distance as an 8th grader, I can surely finish some busy work I’ve been procrastinating as an adult.”

A Community of Support

Perhaps just as meaningful as the miles logged were the friendships formed. Runners described a sense of camaraderie and team support that boosted their self-confidence and made them feel part of something bigger. Many said these relationships and lessons in teamwork continue to shape how they build community as adults.

One participant reflected:

 

“Before WeROCK, I was very insecure and self-conscious. But what I loved about the team is that everyone has each other’s backs. I always felt supported and encouraged.”

Why This Matters

The study highlights what researchers and pediatricians have long suspected: non-competitive, community-based sports programs like WeROCK not only improve physical fitness but also nurture critical life skills such as self-confidence, perseverance, and teamwork. Importantly, these benefits last well beyond the finish line.

As one former runner put it:

 

“Marathons are not just for Olympians or extreme athletes; they are for those with enough drive and passion to fuel them across the finish line.”

The Takeaway

Endurance running in adolescence is about more than logging miles, it’s about building stronger, healthier, more resilient young people prepared to take on life’s biggest challenges. This new study reinforces the WeROCK mission: To teach our community’s youth goal setting and discipline through a fun, structured, non-competitive program focused on the training for, and completion of, a marathon.

 

Read the full study below: