Kilometers For The Kids: An Operations Chair POV

​MC Gray is the 2021-2022 Operations chair.

​Two years ago, I found myself at the Old Well as an Operations Committee member, setting up for Kilometers For The Kids. It was the break of dawn, and, on any other day, I would have been in bed for at least 3 more hours. However, September 21, 2019 was not just “any other day.” It was the day where all of the months of hard work paid off, and I could finally see the results of my committee’s efforts.

As the clock inched closer to 9:00 am, people began to gather on East Cameron Avenue in their KFTK shirts. Many were excited, some were tired, and others were petrified of what was to come. Once the starter pistol went off, a look of determination rushed over the runners’ faces, and they took off along the course. Committee members began their cheers of encouragement, and runners began to make it past each mile marker. While it may not have been easy, everyone successfully made it to the finish line, knowing that they not only ran to better themselves but also the lives of the patients and families at UNC Children’s hospital. 

Fast forward two years: I am the Operations Chair of CFTK, the main organizer of KFTK. In this role, I have come to recognize that this race is outside of many folks’ comfort zones, and that is 100% normal. You do not need to be the fastest runner (nor do you have to run at all) in order to participate. Showing up is enough. I am the first to admit that I am not a morning person. However, I will wake up on October 3rd knowing that I am one step closer to making a difference.