Rain or shine, the annual “Finish Chelsea’s Run” will take place on Saturday at Balboa Park.
The 5k run and walk honors Chelsea King, the Poway teenager who was murdered in 2010.
Brent King, Chelsea’s father, said the annual event raises more than $80,000. The money goes toward scholarships that are awarded to San Diego-area high school students like 19-year-old Jesus Hernandez.
“It’s a great homage to Chelsea’s memory, and overall, just having faith in the future generations that she represented," said Hernandez.
Hernandez, who graduated last year from Escondido High School, is now a freshman at Cal State San Marcos. He is majoring in Business Administration with aspirations of someday becoming an accountant.
He said he’s grateful toward everyone who takes part in the run, and, in effect, has helped pay for his scholarship.
“Hopefully, I can make everyone who’s behind me proud of what I’m doing," said Hernandez.
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During the application process for the scholarship, Hernandez-- like all applicants-- wrote a personal essay.
His family migrated to Escondido from Guerrero, Mexico. He recounted how his family struggled financially, and he vowed to help others in similar situations.
“I can help those in need and maybe guide them in a certain way so they would be most prepared for the future and any financial harships,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez said he stays in contact with Chelsea’s parents, Brent and Kelly -- the couple who inspires him every day.
“They’ve been like role models, like my second parents basically and they’re amazing people. I owe them everything," Hernandez said.
