Jennifer Drexinger – HKRS – Amherst, NY

How many seasons have you been a Community Coordinator?

I am entering my 9th season as a Community Coordinator for the Amherst, NY Healthy Kids Running Series. It has been incredibly rewarding to watch the program grow and see so many local children develop confidence, healthy habits, and a love for running.

What inspired you to join HKRS?

Running has had a tremendous impact on my family and my own life. Through running, I discovered a passion that has brought our family together and created opportunities for growth, confidence, and connection.

One of the most inspiring experiences has been watching my son, who has autism, grow through the program. When he first started, completing a quarter-mile race was a challenge. Today, he confidently completes the mile independently and continues to get faster each season. Watching him develop resilience and self-belief through running has been incredible.

I’ve also had the opportunity to watch my daughter thrive through the sport. Her journey began with HKRS, and she has since gone on to compete in USATF Cross Country, qualifying for and competing at the National Championships in each of the last two years. Seeing her pursue big goals while staying grounded in her love of running has been a reminder of how powerful early positive experiences in youth sports can be.

These experiences showed me the incredible impact programs like HKRS can have on kids and families. When the opportunity arose to become a Community Coordinator, I saw it as a chance to give back and help other families experience those same benefits.

What’s your favorite part of race day and/or what’s your proudest moment as a Community Coordinator?

My favorite part of race day is watching children cross the finish line, especially those who may have been nervous or unsure of themselves at the start. Seeing their smiles and sense of accomplishment is something that never gets old.

My proudest moments are seeing kids return season after season with increased confidence and enthusiasm. Watching participants discover a love for running, set goals, and realize they are capable of more than they thought is incredibly rewarding. Knowing HKRS has helped create those opportunities for growth makes all the work worthwhile.

What’s something you’ve learned, whether a skill, a mindset, or a new perspective, since becoming a Community Coordinator?

I’ve learned that success isn’t always measured by wins, times, or medals. Sometimes the biggest victories are simply showing up, trying something new, and improving a little each week.

Being a Community Coordinator has also reinforced the power of community. When volunteers, families, sponsors, and participants come together around a shared goal, they can create an environment where every child feels supported, encouraged, and valued.

If you could bring one guest to a race day, real or fictional, who would it be and why?

I would bring my grandmother. She played a huge role in my upbringing and helped shape many of the values that are important to me today. She was passionate about teaching kids the importance of hard work, commitment, and following through on what they start.

I know she would be incredibly proud to see the impact Healthy Kids Running Series is having in our community—not just by encouraging physical activity, but by helping children build confidence, perseverance, and lifelong habits. Seeing hundreds of kids show up each week, work toward their goals, and support one another is something she would have absolutely loved.

Please share two pictures of yourself as a Coordinator if you feel comfortable sharing.

I’m usually so busy on race days helping with setup, check-in, cheering on runners, and keeping everything moving that I rarely stop to take pictures of myself as a coordinator. Instead, I’d love to share a photo of my family when we first started with Healthy Kids Running Series alongside a photo from this past spring season.