By Holly Kline
Aaron Pugh, a 23-year-old student from Fishers, will run 210 miles from Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument in Indianapolis to Millennium Park in Chicago, hoping to inspire others to overcome adversity and to pursue their dreams. Pugh will begin running on May 14 and end May 17.
Pugh has been a runner for more than ten years and is now focusing on ways to use his sport as a way to encourage others.
“I just want to connect any type of meaning with my passion for running,” Pugh said.
Pugh is no stranger to long-distance running. In March 2013 he ran 53-mile route from Evansville to Petersburg, Ind. and raised $1,250 for Riley Hospital. “That was a tremendous success,” said Pugh, “and then I was ready for the next challenge.”
The Indy to Chicago run, however, is not connected to a cause.
“This is just a personal challenge to myself, to grow and learn about myself,” said Pugh. “I love the city of Chicago; I’m from the Indy area so I’m running from something that means something to me toward something else that I love,” he continued.
Pugh graduated from Fishers High School and attends the University of Southern Indiana. He shared that he endured tough times in high school; he was homeless for a time but really wanted to graduate.
“I decided I would do whatever it took to finish at my high school in Fishers,” said Pugh. “A lot of these experiences made me stronger and I learned that you don’t really know what you want until you face adversity,” he added.
Pugh and his friends have organized an Indianapolis Start Party that will kick off on May 14 from 7 to 9 a.m. at Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument in Indianapolis. Attendees can cheer Pugh on as he begins his 210-mile run at 8 a.m. Fans can also visit the Inspire200Run Facebook page to check on his progress.
Pugh hopes that his endeavor inspires people.
“This run is to share that everything in life is not always perfect. I want to get across the point that how you handle adversity makes a difference and that dreams make life exciting,” he said.
