Hunter Fajardo is 5 years old and started Kindergarten this fall. Last spring Hunter ran the 75 yard dash, and like many HKRS families, his mother was nervous about the big jump from the 75 yard dash to the ¼ once Hunter started Kindergarten. 

Since this was his first time running this longer distance, his mother Pria was nervous. “I was quite anxious to place him at that level. He’s the smallest in the group,” she said.  When the kids were getting ready at the starting line Hunter whispered to his mother, “Don’t worry, Mommy, I won’t be last!” 

Pria said that right there in that moment her child boosted her own confidence in his abilities! It showed that Hunter knew that his opponents were bigger and taller than him, but mentally he was prepared to do his best anyway. Hunter placed somewhere in the middle of the pack, but most importantly, he finished the race and never gave up. 

All in all, Pria shared that, “The most valuable lesson a child can learn from Healthy Kids Running Series is to take on a challenge with confidence, always do their best, finish what they started, and never give up!” She added that there’s a lesson for parents in there too. “Believe in your child, especially when your child believes in themself!”

We’re so excited for Hunter and his new found confidence and wish him luck in all his future ¼ mile races!