How Mileage Club® Supports Students with Autism: Colin’s Story of Confidence and Community

How Mileage Club Helped One Student Discover Confidence, Joy, and Belonging Through Running

At Hanover-Horton Elementary in Hanover, Michigan, one student's journey with Mileage Club has inspired an entire school community.

Meet Colin.

Colin loves to run. When he participated in Mileage Club in first grade, Colin completed 30 miles. The next year, as a second grader, he more than doubled his mileage, racking up a total of 70 miles. 

At the end of the season, when the school announced that Colin had logged nearly twice as many miles as the next-highest runner for the year, the entire student body erupted in cheers.

And that moment mattered.

Running Became a Place Where Colin Could Shine

Colin has autism, and school hasn't always been an easy place for him. His mom, Carrie, shared that some of his classmates had seen him struggle and “have seen Colin at his worst.” This made coming in first place - and his peers celebrating him - even more meaningful. 

Carrie Nichols shared that Colin showed signs of athleticism from a very young age, but was easily overwhelmed by the chaos and activity of PE class and organized sports. Running offered something different than PE class or organized sports. Instead of navigating a loud environment, quick transitions, or complex team dynamics, running gave Colin:

• A physical release for extra energy
• A sense of independence
• A sense of pride
• A clear, repeatable structure
• A way to feel successful on his own terms

His teacher noticed differences too: after Mileage Club, Colin returned to the classroom calmer, focused, and ready to learn.

Why Running Works for Many Students with Autism

Experts have observed similar benefits in other runners on the autism spectrum. 

Within two years of road racing, Tommy Des Brisay was near the front of the pack. He was confused about where everyone else was the first time he won a race, so he went back up the course to run with each subsequent finisher and cheer for them as they crossed the line.”

Des Brisay, now 25, has personal bests of 15:17 for 5K, 1:10:34 for a half-marathon, and 2:38:50 for a full marathon. It’s not unusual for him to blow by his competition while reciting lines or singing songs from his favorite movies.

Alison Wade wrote for Runner's World, that running doesn't require complex social interaction, yet still allows students to feel part of a supportive community.

“In running, social interaction is common, but it’s not required for success. Running does not require mastery of complex techniques, intricate rules, or the principles of teamwork—but it does offer the opportunity to be a part of a team.”

Russell Lang, Ph.D., the executive director of the Clinic for Autism Research, Evaluation and Support at Texas State University in San Marcos, said that 

“Running, in general, is a community sport and lifetime activity that de-emphasizes social communication and emphasizes repetitive behavior. That lends itself well to alignment with the characteristics of autism.”

 

The repeatable rhythm and self-paced structure of running can create comfort, joy, and confidence.

A Story That Reaches Far Beyond One Track

Colin isn't alone. Athletes like Tommy Des Brisay - a long-distance runner with autism from Ontario - have shown that the characteristics of autism can be strengths in endurance sports. He began running when he turned 14 and dreamed of making the 2020 Paralympic Team. People marvel at what Tommy Des Brisay has been able to accomplish despite his autism

Tommy's mother puts it beautifully:

"What if it's because of his autism that he's this successful? You can choose to look at autism as a disability or as a collection of abilities to be celebrated. 

There's no doubt that for Tommy, part of his success as a runner has always been his unfailing willingness and joy in training. He's the kind of guy who doesn't see it as a tedium of any kind to go forward and do the same workout. There's a comfort for him in that. 

So I think for Tommy, his autistic tendencies are an advantage in a lot of things. One of those is his running."

For Tommy, consistency, joy in routine, and deep focus became advantages, not obstacles.

Back to Colin - and Why Mileage Club Matters

When asked what he liked most about Mileage Club, Colin didn't mention awards, tokens, or applause.

He simply said:

"Running."

Mileage Club didn't just help Colin improve his fitness. It helped him:

• Feel successful
• Build confidence
• Connect with his classmates
• Discover something he loves

This is what Mileage Club is all about.