The Boy Who Gave Up the Race to Save His Rival

and turned every breath white.

Marcus had never seen so many runners in one place.

There were bright jackets, expensive watches, matching team bags, parents with cameras, coaches with clipboards, and tents with banners flapping in the wind.

Marcus stood near the edge of it all, wearing a thrift-store hoodie over his race shirt.

His bib hung slightly crooked.continue reading …