Hazel views the race as something she has to win. She loves to run, and she is known around the neighborhood as "the fastest thing on two feet". Hazel doesn't take her running for granted, however, she trains, she runs, and she prepares. Winning is everything.
After the race, Hazel acknowledges Raymond's talent.... something she's only just become aware of. His participation on the other side of the fence amazed her.... and she realized that he might just have a very important talent of his own. Suddenly, her own success wasn't as important..... and she knew that if even if she lost, he could train beside her.... and that she could be his coach.