Cheers along the road for Girls on the Run

Dozens of students use multi-use path to train for 5K.

A participant in Girls on the Run covers her ears during a supporting blast from a Graafschap Fire Department truck at 142nd Avenue and Beeline Road in Laketown Township on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

Editor’s note: This story was updated May 5, 2026.

Spectators along Beeline Road in Laketown Township clapped, cheered, and rattled tambourines as Girls on the Run participants jogged by on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

At the intersection with 142nd Avenue, though, the applause was overwhelmed by a blast of sirens and horns from Ladder Truck 751 of Graafschap Fire Department, making it clear how proud the community is of the students from Hamilton’s Blue Star Elementary School and Hamilton Middle School.

Nineteen runners, some draped in multi-colored leis, ran a practice loop to train for the upcoming Girls on the Run 5K on May 16 at Grand Valley State University.

“We are very proud of their perseverance and the growth they’ve shown over the season,” said organizer Megan Reilly, a teacher at Blue Star Elementary School, 3846 58th St.

The Girls on the Run program is designed to inspire girls to build confidence, kindness and decision-making skills. The 5K provides a sense of accomplishment.

Graafschap Fire Department Deputy Chief Mike Capel cheers on participants in Girls on the Run at 142nd Avenue and Beeline Road in Laketown Township on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
A participant in Girls on the Run heads down the multi-use path along Beeline Road in Laketown Township on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Participants in Girls on the Run head down the multi-use path along Beeline Road in Laketown Township on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Graafschap Fire Department Deputy Chief Mike Capel cheers on participants in Girls on the Run at 142nd Avenue and Beeline Road in Laketown Township on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.