By Victor Rotaru ’23 (Hincesti, Moldova / Smithville, MO)
On September 21, I had the privilege of organizing the first children’s marathon in my town, Hincesti, Moldova. The marathon started at 9:00, with participants eagerly gathering at the starting line. By the time we wrapped up at 10:30, we had hosted four races, divided by gender and age, for students in grades 5-9 and 10-12. The turnout was more than I could have hoped for, with 83 participants.
This event, inspired by my experience running my first half-marathon last year, was six months in the making. I assembled a team of ten volunteers, of which five were local volunteers and five were FLEX alumni. I also sought and received the incredible support of local sponsors OM Active, who provided 108 liters of water, 50 T-shirts, and 50 sports bags for the first 50 runners that crossed the finish line. The City Hall also played a crucial role in helping to organize the event, offering logistical support such as police patrols for road closures, two paramedics for safety, and medals for the top three winners in each category.
Our goal was to address the problem of sedentary behavior, particularly among young people, who lack opportunities for physical activity such as sports programs. While many schools offer physical education classes, there is little emphasis on continuing these habits outside the school setting. More than just a physical feat, running teaches resilience, perseverance, and the importance of pacing yourself.
This event is just one example of how a small initiative can inspire change. One of the participants, Ana, a tenth grader, reflected on her experience: “I’ve never felt so empowered. Running with my friends and seeing the entire community come together like this was unforgettable.” Her sentiment was echoed by many others, proving the marathon was more than just a race; It was a celebration of health and community spirit.
Having been part of the FLEX program, I was encouraged to bring lessons from the U.S. back to Moldova. The marathon mirrors the type of community involvement I witnessed while in Smithville, where local events were about building connections and fostering well-being. One example is the Smithville Running Club organized and led by my host mom, Brittany, which I was encouraged to try and attend every Tuesday. The club inspired me tremendously to take running seriously when I came back to Moldova, which led to organizing a six-month running club with an average of eight weekly attendees during my FLEX Volunteer City Representative term from September 2023 to July 2024.
As the marathon ended, participants didn’t just walk away with medals or t-shirts, they left with memories of a day filled with positivity and energy. The healthy snacks I distributed, apple chips and local natural grape juice, were a reminder that health isn’t just about exercise but about fueling our bodies.
This marathon positively impacted many participants who had previously doubted their physical abilities, lacked motivation, or struggled to prioritize their health. Through this event, they were reminded of the importance of discipline, perseverance, and setting personal goals. The marathon was not just about running—it was about building confidence, pushing boundaries, and discovering the strength within themselves. Many of the participants shared their experiences with friends and family, extending the marathon’s impact beyond just the runners. This event inspired others to lace up their running shoes and chase their dreams.
The next goal for the “Hincesti Marathon” project organizers is to continue organizing events like this, bringing health education and community spirit to as many people as possible, especially those who may not have easy access to fitness resources. I hope that, in the future, more residents of Hincesti, and beyond, will be empowered to take control of their health and well-being, knowing that the journey toward a healthier, more disciplined life starts with just one step.
Featured Alumni – Volunteers:
Giulia Panis ’23 (Criuleni, Moldova / Charlottesville, VA)
Lavinia Ciocan ’23 (Chisinau, Moldova / Gadsden, AL)
Ilinca Tiganas ’24 (Chisinau, Moldova / Goshen, IN)
Adelina Diru ’24 (Hincesti, Moldova / Silver Creek, NY)
Daniela Luca ’24 (Chisinau, Moldova / Maryville, MO)
