The protagonist's endeavor is more significant than one race. The way you characterize this challenge it bears the markings of a mission, even a hero-making mission. The pride of the community rests on the success of one girl. Slender, but courageous shoulders carry this burden. The burden isn't a weight, but a source of strength.

Your description of the runner's internal struggle is believable. The dialogue she has with her father is persuasive.

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