The MileUp Program: A Unique Path to Expungement Through Running
The juvenile justice system in Philadelphia often follows a predictable and demoralizing path for teenagers charged with crimes: numerous hearings, probation, and the potential for a future filled with setbacks. However, a transformative initiative known as the MileUp program is providing an innovative alternative. This program allows young individuals not only to train for and compete in half marathons but also to have their criminal records cleared upon successfully completing the initiative.
A Fresh Approach to Juvenile Justice
MileUp is overseen by Students Run Philly Style in collaboration with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office and Drexel University’s Center for Nonviolence and Social Justice. Launched in 2020, the program aims to support justice-involved youth, including those dealing with felony charges, by providing a structured environment focused on community, personal growth, and physical fitness.
Training for Transformation
Participants engage in rigorous training sessions three times a week, leading up to a series of races including a 5K, a 10-mile run, and culminating in the Philadelphia Half Marathon. Each race serves not only as a physical challenge but also as a catalyst in moving their legal cases forward. Successfully completing the program, coupled with remaining arrest-free for six months, allows participants to have their records expunged.
Redefining Justice
Many of the young participants arrive at MileUp with various experiences that led to their charges, often stemming from singular, impulsive decisions made in their early teens. Traditionally, these individuals would likely face incarceration in placement facilities, receiving minimal support and limited chances for rehabilitation. In stark contrast, MileUp offers a running team that emphasizes accountability through consistency rather than punishment.
A Glimpse into Training Sessions
A recent training session, attended by the Philadelphia Inquirer, showcased how the program operates. Teenagers engaged in warmups characterized by a blend of teenage sarcasm, reluctance, and competitiveness typical of high school sports. Coaches interacted with the group, motivating them while maintaining an atmosphere of camaraderie. Yet, the stakes remained high: completion of the program means the disappearance of their charges.
Dealing with Challenges and Growing Through Support
Lucas, a former participant, recalls his initial reluctance to embrace running as a path to legal resolution. After finishing the half marathon and clearing his record, he now serves as a peer mentor, helping newcomers navigate their challenges. “At first, you don’t want to be here. But then you realize what you’re working towards,” Lucas explains.
This season, Lucas has been mentoring Na’Sean, who discovered an outstanding warrant from a past incident while trying to settle into a new school year. Na’Sean felt overwhelmed during his training, especially during the 10-mile race, where he considered quitting. However, with the encouragement of a mentor who paced him through the race, he crossed the finish line, a moment that reshaped his understanding of his capabilities and future possibilities. “If I finish the half, that’s it. The whole thing is over,” he stated, expressing a determined desire to move forward.
Holistic Support Beyond Running
While running plays a central role in the MileUp program, it is not the sole focus. Sessions led by Drexel staff help participants confront trauma, fear, and loss. Advocates also assist families with the necessary legal procedures linked to each milestone. The program’s peer mentors help fill the gaps that often arise in adult guidance, creating a supportive environment.
Measuring Success
Since its inception, more than 100 students have successfully completed the MileUp program, with the majority avoiding additional arrests in the following years. The initiative has facilitated over $40,000 in restitution for participants, reflecting its multifaceted impact.
The Future of MileUp
Despite its successes, MileUp faces challenges ahead. A critical grant funding the program will expire this year, prompting organizers to seek sponsors to ensure the continuity of this vital diversion pathway.
Focus on the Upcoming Race
As race day approaches in Philadelphia, participants are channeling their efforts into preparation. Some discuss their pacing goals, while others aim simply to avoid walking during the event. What unifies them is the recognition that finishing the half marathon is a significant step toward starting their adult lives free from the burden of a criminal record.
Changing Perspectives
A poignant remark from one student encapsulates the transformative spirit of the program: “I didn’t think finishing something this big was for people like me. Now I know it is.” This sentiment highlights how MileUp not only provides a pathway for legal redemption but also fosters self-belief and resilience among Philadelphia’s youth.
