A soaking rain failed to deter the 600 young women determined to participate in this year’s Girls on the Run (GOTR) 5K last Saturday. Two hours before the race, runners, coaches and families drove cars and vans into the surrounding parking lots and then found their way to designated spots that were marked-off on one large field of the Dana L. Thompson Memorial Park in Manchester.
As rock music filled the air, girls from 46 schools in Southern Vermont gathered under tents and umbrellas to make final preparations for the big race that marked the end of this year’s GOTR season. Smiling faces needed to be painted, running shirts autographed, hair sprayed with vibrant colors, and friends greeted with hugs and high fives.
Local schools signed up for the race included five from the Bennington-Rutland Supervisory Union (BRSU): Currier Memorial School, Flood Brook School, Manchester Elementary Middle School, Mettawee Community School, and The Dorset School.
“What a great day for a 5K!” exclaimed one BRSU coach dryly who gathered her runners for a final pre-race pep talk in the rain. And the girls responded with a gleeful, collective “Yeah!”
Girls on the Run was created to improve the physical health, self esteem, and social-emotional skills of young women. The program emphasizes developing these skills through the running and interactive lessons, fostering a positive and supportive team environment. These traits were on full display during the rain this weekend in Manchester.
(Photo above: A soaking rain did not deter these Mettawee girls from participating in the Girls on the Run 5K.)
Part of the team from Manchester Elementary Middle School prepare for the Girls on the Run 5K.
These runners from The Dorset School refuse to be discouraged by the rain at the Girls on The Run 5K.
A Currier Coach helps out with final preparations at the Girls on the Run 5K.
Stomping on mud-puddles all part of the fun for Flood Brook runners at Girls on the Run.
Autographed tee-shirts and painted hair on display before the start of the main event.
A trio of girls from The Dorset School with face paint and smiles are ready for the 5K.
Spray painting hair at the Mettawee Community School tent prior to the Girls on the Run 5K.
This runner from Currier Memorial School is eager for the 5K to begin.
Flood Brook School participants hold up medals for completing the Girls on the Run 5K.