Proud Dad Moment -Watching My 14-Year-Old Become a Half Fanatic

Paul F Dunwell IV(MM16302, DA3840, HF18962) -Proud dad post.
My 14-year-old son officially became a Half Fanatic (HF18968) at Run Sunset Beach Half Marathon 2026, and I could not be prouder.
He battled through a tough patch, refused to quit, and still came away with a huge PR of 2:15:56.4. Then yesterday, we got the notification that made it official: his finish earned him Half Fanatic Neptune status.
For anyone wondering, we take his training seriously and approach it with a lot of care. He is training for his second marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon, and everything we do is built around smart progression, close attention, and medical guidance. This is something he truly loves, and as his parent, my job is to support that love while also doing everything I can to keep him safe, healthy, and progressing responsibly. My role is simply to support him, guide him, and help make sure he is doing this the right way.
What made this weekend so special was not just the time or the title. It was watching him hit a hard moment, fight through it, and keep going. That kind of grit and heart means more than any finish clock ever could.
Welcome to the Half Fanatics family, son.
Keep setting goals. Build your identity on your character, not on who other people think you should be. I’ll always be by your side.
Love,
your Double Agent Dad

Photo and Post credit Paul F Dunwell IV(MM16302, DA3840, HF18962)