By the time the starting gun sounded to start the first Berry Run on the Northwest College campus, more than 150 participants were lined up next to the new Berry Bryant memorial bench — complete with yellow daffodils in full bloom — and ready to run.

Organized by the Soroptimist's International of Powell and the Women Empowered (WE) campaign, the event was held as a fundraiser for scholarships to the school.

“We paired up to put on this event to both honor Berry Bryant’s memory and to raise money for a scholarship in her name at Northwest College,” said Stacie Lange, co-organizer of the run.

Berry Bryant was a freshman at NWC in 1996 when she was violently assaulted, raped and murdered on Polecat Bench by another student. Bryant grew up in Riverton.

“She was such a bright and loving spirit,” Lange said.

The two groups are focusing on empowering women to achieve economic success and helping women find ways to defend themselves and promote education about violence.

Northwest College President Lisa Watson, who participated in the 1-mile run alongside NWC Foundation President Shelby Wetzel, said the event is a positive event and the start of a great tradition on campus.

“I love the fact that we have so many community members that wanted to come out and celebrate the memory of Berry, but also for women’s empowerment,” Watson said.

Cody High School grad and current NWC student Kinley Bollinger was the first to cross the line in the 5-kilometer race, also beating all but a couple of runners participating in the 1-mile run/walk event with a time of 20:04.

“Every day I walk to school and go to the Science and Math building and I see that bench. And it’s nice to know the story behind it and be able to do something to help bring awareness,” she said shortly after crossing the line. “This is just great. And I mean, the community definitely showed up very well. So that's exciting.”

Bollinger is working to become a medical professional and hopes to participate in local runs while in school. She also is know for her skills with a camera in her hands, winning multiple Wyoming Wildlife photo contest awards including first place in the Recreation Division this past February.

When the bench was dedicated last year, Berry’s mother Sharon Bryant said the memorial made on the 25th anniversary of Berry’s murder was important to remind students to be safe.

“The space is a memorial to Berry, but it’s also an icon for all people who have been removed from life unjustly,” she said.

Lange said the race brought in some much needed revenue to the scholarship fund. Beyond the entry fees, community members and businesses have stepped up to donate, she said.

The top six finishers in the 5k race were Bollinger, Orrin Jackson, David Holland, Anyston Keller, Michela Morrissey and Bradley Lauk, according to Cori Siggins, who sits on the boards of both organizations.

“We raised an estimated $3,000 that will go towards the scholarship in Berry’s name,” she said.

Last year generous donors and matching funds from the college raised $17,000 for the scholarship fund.