An avid running dad in Pacific Grove passes on his passion to his young son.

Aric Sleeper here. As a longtime dedicated runner, I wanted to share a story in this week’s edition of the Weekly that Associate Editor Erik Chalhoub composed about a father and son who also love to lace up their running shoes and push themselves to the limit. 

The story features Rudy Ayala of Pacific Grove and his 11-year-old son Mason, who have been running together on weekends since Mason was 6. The young runner, Chalhoub points out, is on track to surpass his father in speed and stamina and has run 10 official races since he was just 8 years old, including the Pacific Grove Lighthouse 3k in 2023, where he took home first place in his age group. 

With those races behind him, Mason has set his sights on more and hopes to complete a half marathon with his grandpa, also a runner, when he officially becomes a teenager.

Like me, the Ayalas do it for the euphoric runner’s rush that starts in the second or third mile and builds, and to get out and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Monterey Bay alongside the occasional forest jog.

And it’s no surprise that Mason’s dedication to running and other sports has inspired his little brother, Titan, who now aspires to run like his big brother, father and grandfather. 

If you too are a runner or athlete in need of a little inspiration to get you off the couch and out the door, you can read the full story here.