On May 16 approximately six Weber State University students will participate in the Ogden Half Marathon. These students belong to an organization called Students in Motion, and they have been in motion for months.

Students in Motion is a 17 -18 week program developed by the Student Wellness Center to help sedentary students safely become more active.

For a registration fee of $45 students receive a guaranteed slot in the Ogden Half Marathon, and the support and classes they need to be ready for the race.

The group meets three times during the week, with their longest walks on Saturdays.

Julia D. Whitney, the student wellness coordinator who oversees the program, explained that it is about finding a way to get students more active and having them enjoy it.

“A lot of students don’t even know where to start. Walking is the safest way to start—well, secondary to swimming,” Whitney said with a laugh.

Jentry Principe, a student intern who directs the program, agrees with Whitney that the program is a great way for students to get active with the support of their peers.

“College is an amazing time in one’s life, but it is also one of the most stressful and busiest times of your life. That can lead to individuals neglecting their health and well being,” said Principe.

Students in Motion has been training students for the half marathon for a couple years now, and yet many on campus don’t know about it.

“I feel like this is one of the best-kept secrets on campus, even though we have posters up since the beginning of time,” Whitney said.

Whitney believes that the reason for this lack of knowledge is the fact that most of the students are non-traditional and nearing graduation so word-of-mouth is slow. This year six students, two intern “shadow walkers” and one jogger are signed up for the half marathon.

Chandra Muhlestein, a marketing and operations intern working in the Student Wellness Center, said that she wasn’t informed about the program.

“I don’t know a lot about it. I think it’s a good bridge though between the rec center and wellness,” said Muhlestein.

Whitney and Principe hope to get students more involved as the program continues to grow and gain attention.

Principe sees the program as very special.

“We want Weber State students to learn and enjoy taking control of their health. We want them to have necessary skills to make changes, and use this throughout their lifetime,” said Principe.