Matt & Kristen Sheats – HKRS – Lansdale, PA
How many seasons have you been a Community Coordinator?
We are currently on our 2nd season as community coordinators.
What inspired you to join HKRS?
Our daughters ran a few years ago and loved it. When there was a need for coordinators in our area, we wanted to help continue the series for the community. HKRS combines our passion for running and helping kids. We both are avid runners and we love the HKRS mission to Get Up and GO!
What’s your favorite part of race day and/or what’s your proudest moment as a Community Coordinator?
Our favorite part of race day is seeing the kids smile while crossing the finish line. Watching the littles sprint without abandon is adorable and always makes us smile. Our proudest moment as community coordinators has been seeing the kids improve as the series progresses and watching their confidence grow. In particular, last season we had a kid who struggled to finish the mile the first 2 weeks, but by the last week, he ran the whole thing, and when he finished, he went back and ran with the rest of the kids while cheering them on. It was amazing to watch the physical and mental transformation.
What’s something you’ve learned, whether a skill, a mindset, or a new perspective, since becoming a Community Coordinator?
We have learned real-time problem-solving since becoming community coordinators. This has been a result of weather circumstances, field management, or runner’s having a hard day. It has given us a perspective that regardless of obstacles, we can navigate around them to create a safe and positive experience.
If you could bring one guest to a race day, real or fictional, who would it be and why?
We would bring Courtney Dauwalter, a former teacher, who is now widely regarded as one of the world’s best ultra trail runners, holding multiple course records. Courtney is an inspiration to the ultra running community with her upbeat, positive personality and her strive to push through her limits (aka the pain cave). She continues to demonstrate that women can compete at the highest level.
