Courtesy Ben Lyne

In 2019, Ben Lyne of Eagle Mountain decided he wanted to do something that could have a positive impact on the lives of others. What seemed to be one way to spread joy in the community came to him during a daily run as drivers were passing by him.

“I realized, you know, I see a lot of people. And most of the time when I see them they don’t look happy,” he said.

Lyne came up with an idea to run with a sign featuring words of encouragement, but it would be another two and half years until he gathered up enough courage to put the plan into motion. He cites self-doubt as a contributing factor in his hesitation. But eventually, he began running along Cory Wride Memorial Highway with a “I Believe in You” sign.

Though a barrage of commuters would pass him during his morning jog, he questioned at first if anyone was paying attention — until one day when he received a text message about a post by someone who saw him, made in an Eagle Mountain community Facebook group. “Somebody posted, ‘To the guy with the sign, thank you so much,'” Lyne said.

But his desire to promote positivity spans beyond recognition on social media. “Like, convincing people to stay in their marriage and convincing people to go on a mission or whatever it is. There’s all these people that have had these life-changing moments, just because they pass me in their car,” Lyne told the Daily Herald.

Courtesy Ben Lyne

Since early 2022, Lyne has run hundreds of miles, presenting motorists each morning with motivational messages. Last summer, he hosted a gathering called “Signs Up to Lift Up” in which residents were encouraged to make their own posters to uplift the community. He’s hoping to rally citizens again to join him during Eagle Mountain’s Pony Express Days, where he’s secured a spot in the grand parade on Saturday.

“I opened it up to anybody that wants to join me. I think it’s powerful to get together as a community in a positive way” Lyne said.

Eagle Mountain’s kickoff to summer

Pony Express Days, the annual city festival for Eagle Mountain, is already underway, running through June 8. The community celebration provides a plethora of events for family fun and honors the city’s historical ties to the Pony Express Trail.

Saturday’s parade starts at 10 a.m. There’s also a carnival with vendors and local talent. The demolition derby happens in the evening at Pony Express Memorial Park Arena, followed by a fireworks display at 10 p.m.

The PRCA Rodeo happens June 6-8 starting at 7 p.m. each night at Pony Express Memorial Park Arena.

Courtesy Ben Lyne

For newer and longtime Eagle Mountain residents, organizers say it’s a good way to experience what the city has to offer. “T​they can interact with neighbors and other residents in the community. They can volunteer to help if they want and it’s great community engagement,” said Dawn Hancock, events manager with Eagle Mountain City.

Mobilizing motivation

As for Lyne, while he’s committed to impacting others through holding his positive signs, but he intends to invite runners from around the world to join him with the goal of spreading positivity through running or any sort of activity. “It can be something very simple, but it’s contagious as well. So I just want people to know that doing small, positive things can really not only change the world, (they can) change us as well,” he said.

To connect with Lyne or to join him at Pony Express Days, find him on Facebook or Instagram by searching “runner guy with a sign.”