Sometimes making a difference starts with putting one foot in front of the other. For local student Titus Petersen, participating in Relay for America was more than a run, it was an opportunity to support a cause, challenge himself, and inspire others along the way.
“When I first saw promotions and videos for Relay for America I knew I wanted to be part of the movement. I was inspired by the crew members' initiative to run to unite America and honor our veterans,” explained Titus Petersen. “I wanted to show that there is still a love for our country and represent Nebraska in the segments that I ran in Kansas.” Petersen, an upcoming junior at EMF High School, traveled to Belleville, Kansas to join Relay for America, a 3,000 mile relay from coast to coast, carrying the American flag.
Photo Credit:
Mike Wainwright Photography
For Petersen, the experience exceeded every expectation. “It was the best experience I’ve ever had on a run,” he said. “I made so many memories that will never be forgotten.”
From the moment he arrived, Petersen said he was welcomed by crew members who made safety a priority while creating an encouraging atmosphere for every participant. Along the way, he met runners from across the country, each with their own story and reason for taking part in the relay. “I love talking to people while I run, and during the two segments I ran, I met a man from Waco, Texas, who drove all the way to Kansas just to run for America. I also met amazing people from all over Kansas and a woman from Mississippi who was celebrating her 40th birthday. She flew into Kansas City and drove three hours just to run one segment.”
Meeting runners from across the United States left a lasting impression on Petersen.
“Running these segments, I really saw how dedicated and loving the running community is and that we are proud to be Americans,” he said.
Although the experience was rewarding, it also pushed Petersen beyond what he thought was possible. Battling the rolling hills of Kansas and logging more miles than he had ever run before tested both his body and his determination.
“My legs were in pain after 16 mites, but the joy in the people around me kept me going,” Petersen said. “The other runners encouraged me to keep going, and eventually they inspired me to run a full marathon. I ended up running 26.4 miles, and I couldn’t have been more thankful for those runners, and most importantly, my mom, Allison Petersen, who cheered me on and fueled me through the run.”
Though the people around him offered great motivation, Petersen stated his greatest motivation was much closer to home.
“Before I started my run, I knew in my heart that I was running for my grandpa, Glen, who served in the National Guard and passed away when I was a little boy,” Petersen explained. “I loved having the opportunity to run for our country and help unite America. That’s what kept me going.”
Beyond the miles he logged, Petersen hopes his participation inspired others to appreciate the importance of unity.
Looking back, Petersen says the relay taught him that even small actions can have a lasting impact. "In the end, I learned that one small action can impact countless lives and spark a movement across America," he mentioned. "That small action could be running one mile, honking to cheer on the runners, or, for me, proudly running 26.4 miles for this country."
Among his favorite memories was being featured on Relay for America's Instagram page, but Petersen says the friendships he formed mean even more.
"The people I met will never be forgotten," he said. "Thank you to all the crew members, runners, and followers of Relay for America. I hope to see this relay continue to grow as the crew works to make it an annual event."
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