🎙️ SHOW NOTES
Episode 290 — Sue Evans, Melissa Lagana, and the Experiences of 19 5K Challenge Classes
Upward Running Podcast — where faith fuels your fitness journey. Hosted by Dean Thompson and Upward Running Director Mitchell Hollis.
In This Episode
- Live from York, Pennsylvania: Dean and Mitchell visit one of Upward Running’s longest-standing programs.
- Guest leaders: Sue Evans — 19-time 5K Challenge leader — and Melissa Lagana — runner, believer, and community-builder.
- From fear to faith: How Sue overcame self-doubt and stepped out in obedience to start her first class back in 2016.
- Transformation story: Melissa shares how God used a hair appointment, a preschool question, and a running class to bring her to Christ.
- Community in motion: From 5 runners to 40 — building friendships, accountability, and a culture of encouragement.
- Memorable milestones: The 20-minute run surprise, family support moments, and York’s first Couch-to-Marathon Disney team.
- Faith through adversity: How Sue’s perseverance, Melissa’s loss, and Janet’s encouragement shaped a resilient running family.
- Scripture reflections: Staying faithful, content, and strong in every step — Philippians 4:13 and Matthew 24:13.
Highlights
- “Be where your feet are.” — a powerful reminder to stay present and faithful in each step.
- “Sometimes you need the class, and sometimes the class needs you.” — Melissa Lagana
- “If God keeps bringing it to your heart, that’s the Holy Spirit saying go.” — Sue Evans
- “Walkers are part of the mission too — movement is ministry.”
- “Every finish line is a testimony.”
“The one who endures to the end will be saved.” — Matthew 24:13
Scripture
- Philippians 4:13 — “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
- Matthew 24:13 — “The one who endures to the end will be saved.”
- Joshua 1:9 — “Be strong and courageous.”
- Hebrews 12:1 — Run with endurance the race set before you.
Faith & Fitness Takeaways
- You don’t need to be a Bible scholar or a seasoned runner — just a willing heart.
- Encouragement and accountability transform both fitness and faith.
- Sometimes God calls you into discomfort so He can grow your confidence.
- Leadership thrives when you delegate and empower others to serve.
- Every class builds community — and sometimes even lifelong believers.
Key Moments
- 0:10 — Welcome from York, PA
- 1:00 — Meet Sue Evans & Melissa Lagana
- 3:00 — Sue’s 40-year journey in fitness
- 7:00 — Saying yes to God’s nudge
- 12:00 — Finding peace and community through running
- 17:00 — Melissa’s testimony: from atheist to believer
- 20:30 — “I walked into that class and it changed my life.”
- 26:00 — Week 8’s surprise: family support and faith
- 31:00 — Janet’s story: turning grief into encouragement
- 37:00 — Keys to running a successful class
- 45:00 — The Disney Marathon story
- 50:00 — When God brings you back — leading through loss
- 54:00 — Overcoming obstacles and spiritual attack
- 59:00 — Scripture reflections and closing encouragement
Quotes
- “I prayed, ‘Lord, help me find a way to use fitness to glorify You.’” — Sue Evans
- “I walked into that room not believing in God… and left knowing Him.” — Melissa Lagana
- “Show up. Even when you don’t feel like it — God shows up too.”
- “Sometimes your weakness becomes the story that strengthens someone else.”
- “Hands up at the finish line — give God the glory.”
Location Spotlight
York, Pennsylvania
Leaders: Sue Evans & Melissa Lagana
Home Church: Bridgeway Community Church
Active Classes: 19 and counting
Dean’s Reflection
This episode is a reminder that ministry often begins with a hesitant “yes.” From Sue’s first class with five people to Melissa’s life-changing faith story, York, PA is proof that God moves through movement. Every step is a chance to build community, share His word, and grow stronger together.
Next Steps
- Launch a 5K Challenge at your church — resources and support at UpwardRunning.com.
- Join the Couch to Marathon Program — train, grow, and celebrate at Big Beach 2027.
- Connect with us for church leader resources — Lead a Challenge.