Every runner felt a bond with the people Boston this year, as thousands of runners took to the streets for this year’s marathon in a display of the human spirit triumphing over hate and fear. Seasoned marathoners and new runners alike were sending support to the runners that day, as young people from the Plymouth YMCA’s Girls on the Run and STRIDE programs showed. On Monday, after the race finished, about 60 young people from Plymouth, Northville, Novi and Canton schools participated in an event to mark the running of the first race since the bombing in 2013.
Young runners wrote messages of hope on the sidewalks surrounding Kellogg Park in downtown Plymouth, and then ran 2.62 miles, or 13 laps, around the park. Kaley Ross, a young woman who is part of an all girl band called Unusual Symphony, played two songs for the young people to sing along to while they enjoyed a healthy post-run snack.
“We talked about how a year ago two individuals chose to spread a message of hate, anger and fear. Today we decided to spread a different message….one of acceptance, cooperation & happiness,” says Julie Allen, who arranged the event for the Plymouth GOTR/STRIDE programs.
At the end of the event, the young people sent up four balloons, one to represent each of the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. “It was a great experience,” says Julie.
The Girls on The Run/STRIDE 5K that is the culmination of the season will take place May 18 in downtown Ferndale.