From Family Passion to Community Impact:
Jennifer Doty’s 100 Mile Club Journey
100 Mile Club’s vision of Healthy, Happy, Connected Kids and communities radiates into every aspect of our program. Our spotlight, Jennifer Doty, has taken that vision to heart, celebrating it in her own way! Growing up in Chicago, Illinois, running had always been a passion shared between her family of five, including her husband and three children. In 2015, they decided to move to Fairfield, California, because of the active West Coast weather. When Jennifer’s daughter started first grade at Nelda Mundy Elementary School, she was introduced to 100 Mile Club as a way to connect and build relationships with people in their new community.
Her family fell in love with the program, the community, and the coaches, calling them “fantastic.” The program was an instant success with her daughter, who ran just over 209 miles in her first year. Even her younger kids participated, showing their early 100 Mile Club spirit!
After that season, the coaches were promoted to new schools, and Jennifer was asked to take over the Nelda Mundy Elementary 100 Mile Club program as head coach, which she instantly agreed to. Now, eight years later, Jennifer is still a proud representative of 100 Mile Club and continues to be an incredible and infectious coach. Her program now has almost 300 participants, always possessing the goal of making it a safe place for kids to “be active, feel accepted, and have a goal to defeat.” This emphasis on inclusivity makes every child feel welcomed and accepted, fostering a sense of belonging in the community.
Jennifer puts it best, saying, “We love celebrating every milestone… the sense of community and the giggles are truly the best!” Jennifer and her family represent the magic of 100 Mile Club, showing how running and staying active as a community can create a strong sense of connection. Her family still celebrates those milestones, with all three of her kids completing over 500 miles one year. 100 Mile Club has grown into their passion, a way to create countless family memories, stay active, and do so in an inclusive community.