Sunday’s ColorUsUnited 5K run/walk promises to be a blast – a big blast of color that is. The second annual race is held by the United Way of Venango County in partnership with the Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce. It will get underway at 1 p.m. Sunday at Two Mile Run County Park. Race registration begins at 10 a.m.
Earlier in the week Venango County United Way executive director Will Price said that registration numbers were down from the 400 runners that participated in the race last year.
He said that prompted a special deal that let runners obtain a race entry for a friend for free. That deal expired earlier this week.
However, he added that racers are permitted to enter up to two children per paid registration. Each child will receive a super hero cape with the paid adult entry. The race entry includes the racer’s color packs, T-shirt and bracelets. Additional color packs will be available for purchase. A color pack is not supplied with a child’s registration. All children must be registered in order to participate in the event.
The event is geared toward family entertainment and out of the 400 attendees last year there were at least 100 children who participated, Price said.
When asked if he thought race participants had fun, Price said, “They were laughing and throwing paint. There was not one sad person that day.”
And folks should be prepared to get colorful.
The race will feature four color stations and a mega color blast upon completion.
Last year’s runners, “had color from head to toe on them,” Price said.
Volunteers will be responsible for brightening up the runners at the various paint stations. Those manning the stations include volunteers from the United Way, the Franklin chamber and some local business owners.
Price said he wears sunglasses for the event. He said the powder is an all natural cornstarch powder which is nontoxic, but it could be an eye irritant.
The race is one of the major fundraisers for the United Way. Price said the event raised more than $8,000 last year.
The proceeds go toward the United Way’s Impact Fund. It helps support 21 impact programs with 14 local nonprofit agencies. These vital programs in Venango County focus on health, education and income. These funds benefit organizations like the area YMCAs, the Salvation Army, the Blind Association, VARHA and the list goes on.
Another fundraiser, the Big Basket Bingo, has been moved to February. The move was made to allow for additional planning between the race and the bingo event, Price said.
Meanwhile, Price said he tried not to look at the weather forecast for Sunday’s big race.
He said he was “hoping and praying that the weather is good.”
“Last year was chilly, but good running weather,” he said. “Right before the color blast it sprinkled a little.”
However, he added that a few sprinkles would actually be good for the event as the moisture would help the powdered paint stick better.
The event will also feature food and a DJ.
Price was eager to have residents come out and enjoy the fun times.
“Let’s color Venango County again,” he added.
Race registration and information can be found on the United Way’s website at www.unitedwayofvenangocounty.org or its Facebook page under Venango County United Way.
More information is also available by calling (814) 676-6545.
