Autumn means “sports season”! The younger students have been practicing hard for the endurance run record meet. There were some windy days during practice, but on the day of the event, the wind had calmed down, making it perfect weather for running!

During the opening ceremony for grades 1–3, the GM gave a speech:
“If you practice diligently, you will improve. To jump higher, you need practice. Challenge your own limits little by little. There may be moments when you feel the endurance run is tough, but that is your chance to grow. Aim to finish strong and do your best!”

“Let’s do our best!”
“Yeah!”
“During the trial run, I ended up walking a little, so I want to make sure I run during the actual race.”
Warm-up exercises

During the opening ceremony, representatives from grades 1 to 3 shared their goals for the event.
After reviewing the safety instructions, everyone did their warm-up exercises.
The third graders were the first to start the race.

Cheers from the children’s center could be heard from the playground — “Go, go!”
Next, the first grade students took their places at the starting line.
At the sound of the starting pistol, they dashed forward with full energy.

The second grade students lined up for their race, listening carefully for the starting signal.
Although the older students were in the middle of their classes, they came out for a moment to cheer them on.
They also helped by holding the finish-line tape.

At the closing ceremony, the following comments were shared:
“Everyone achieved a personal best compared to Monday’s practice run! I was amazed at how much you all improved in such a short time. Effort truly leads to results. I think you were able to run comfortably because it felt like we were all running together. Everyone around you cheered with all their might. This record meet was one that we completed through our combined efforts.”

A heart appeared in the spot where the water bottles had been!

Reflections

  • “My goal was to run without walking, and I was able to keep running until the end, so I’m glad.”
  • “I got tired, but I’m happy because I ran with everything I had.”
  • “I couldn’t fully meet my goal, but I achieved my personal best. I was really happy that everyone got their personal best, too.”

— Continued in Part ② —