POLAND — A national running website calling people to take to the track Tuesday night in honor of those killed in the Boston Marathon bombings this week brought runners to two local high schools.

Kevin Mitchell, a longtime runner and track coach at Poland Regional High School for three years, ran with a friend at the Poland track. “The run was very emotional and a great chance for reflection,” Mitchell said.

USA Track and Field asked website visitors Tuesday to gather at local tracks across the country and run three miles together in memory of the three people killed by bomb blasts near the finish line.

“I could almost feel a presence as if everyone was with me all at the same time around 9,” Mitchell said, “My heart and prayers go out to everyone connected to the Boston Marathon tragedy, and I encourage people to reflect on what happened and give an extra hug to your friends and family.”

At Leavitt Area High School, another group of about 24 runners from a running group called Moms Running On No Sleep from Livermore gathered with headlamps, flashlights and candles to run a mile together in support of the vigil.

“It’s very surreal to run in the pitch dark at 9 p.m., knowing that people all around the U.S. were doing the same with you,” Mitchell said. Tuesday night’s run “showed, not only our national unity,” but the resilience of a sport he holds dear, he said.

[email protected]