BRISTOL — Empowerment, excitement and engagement filled the streets of Bristol on Thursday, May 7, when Bristol Elementary School hosted the practice 5K for Girls on the Run.

Teachers and students ran the 3.1 miles as cheering was seen from all the sidelines. Townspeople, volunteers, parents, local school athletic teams, MAUSD administrators, teachers and Bristol police all gathered to cheer these hard-working runners.

“There is no doubt about it, we felt an emotional response from all on Thursday from the girls and coaches,” said GOTR coach Hanna Davis, who is also a second-grade teacher in Bristol. “The pride, honor and appreciation was radiating …

“There is no doubt about it that Bristol town pulled through!”

Twenty girls in grades three to six took part, as well as four teachers and seven coaches. The run started at the BES pavilion, ran through the village to the Mount Abraham Union High School athletic fields and ended back at the pavilion. Eagle lacrosse coaches Ed Cook, Emiko Chrusciel and Morgan Kathan, their athletes and athletic trainer Meg Quiet lined up at Mount Abe and cheered the girls on!

“So amazing!” Coach Davis said.

She also gave a huge thanks to student photographer Calvin Zubow; the sixth-grader captured images from the 5K.

The motivation was echoing through the town and the girls felt driven to do what Girls on the Run, or GOTR, was made to do: fill them with positive intentions and girl empowerment with a healthy mix of fitness and training. The coaches come from all parts of the community, including teachers, parents, mentors, Bristol town members and more.

The GOTR practices started in March and last till the end of May, when participants will take part in the Girls on the Run 5K in Essex.