What started as a passion project 22 years ago has grown into a movement that continues to inspire young runners—and their families—across Carman.
The Cool Cats Run Club from École Carman Elementary School marked another successful season on Father’s Day weekend by taking part in the annual Manitoba Marathon in Winnipeg. Students, parents, and even former runners came together to participate in the relay and Super Run events, a tradition that has become a hallmark of the school’s spring program.
“Our run club began with the simple hope of encouraging healthy, active lifestyles in our students,” said Lisa Goertzen, a teacher at École Carman Elementary and the club’s founder. “Running is something anyone can do, almost anywhere, with minimal equipment. It’s individual, inclusive, and joyful.”
Goertzen was inspired to bring the Manitoba Marathon experience to her students after participating in the event herself. The atmosphere, she said, was something she knew they had to experience.
“It’s such a fantastic confidence booster,” she said. “Hearing the cheers from thousands of people, listening to the live bands, receiving ‘treats’ along the course (pickles was a new one!), and being able to keep in step with many runners, naturally boosts your energy and confidence! I always tell them that I know that they will run even faster on race day once they get caught up in all the hoop-la! It’s impossible not to feel stronger and faster, and happier!”
The Cool Cats train three days a week beginning in April, using a walk-run method that gradually builds endurance. The club includes students from Kindergarten through Grade 6, with younger runners paired with parents. In May, a select group of older students begins training for the Manitoba Marathon relay, aiming to run four to five miles in preparation.
This year, two adult teams joined the student relays, giving parents the chance to share in the experience.
“Being able to run the same event as your child is incredibly special,” Goertzen said. “Our kids and parents really root for each other. There’s such genuine care and encouragement—it’s truly about community and kindness.”
The club’s youth relay teams placed second and third overall in their age groups.
Goertzen also credits community members like Chris Dick, known locally as “Carman Runner,” for inspiring students and supporting practices. His running group, Small Town Run and Walk Crew, gives young athletes a path to continue running even after the club’s season ends.
“Seeing role model runners join us shows our students that running is a lifelong sport,” she said.
Goertzen said she hopes the success of the Cool Cats will encourage other schools to launch similar programs.
“We’d love to see more run clubs start up in our division or neighbouring ones. The more the merrier,” she said. “It could even help grow our own spring event, Jog in our Park.”
Above all, she hopes her students walk—or run—away with a lasting sense of self-belief. Goertzen herself has completed 50 half marathons.
“My hope is that they remember: ‘Trust yourself… you can do it.’ If they believe they can, they will.”
