In Toni Cade Bambara’s story “Raymond’s Run,” the character of Squeaky (Hazel) is a highly competitive girl; she is not happy unless she wins. She takes the competition seriously, training as hard as she can, but she also boasts about her prowess. Squeaky is unprepared for the more low-key style of competitor embodied in the new girl, Gretchen.

The other important aspect of Squeaky’s character is her loyalty to her brother, Raymond. Although he is older, he has intellectual disabilities and possibly a physical condition; she describes him as “not quite right” and having a big head. Her protective attitude makes her seem like the big sister; she sometimes calls him her “little brother.”

Whether Raymond enjoys running more for its own sake or for the chance to spend time with his sister, he is her constant companion during her training. On race day, although he has not officially entered the race, he runs parallel to the course, outpacing both girls.

Squeaky realizes that losing the race is a small price to pay for the joy her brother has experienced. She revises her attitude toward winning, not just about that individual race but about its place in her life. Smiling wide, she reflects:

if I’ve lost this race, or if me and Gretchen tied, or even if I’ve won, I can always retire as a runner and begin a whole new career as a coach with Raymond as my champion.