Four years ago, the Niles Service League decided they wanted to host a fun community event that would really leave a mark on those who participated, so they planned a Color Fun Run. As those who participate in the Niles Color Fun Run can attest, those who finish the 5K walk away awash in color.

This year will be no exception.

The fourth annual Color Fun Run activities will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday at Brandywine Middle/Senior High School, 1700 Bell Road.

“It is a sense of community and you get covered in color,” said Niles Service League President Becky Brown.

There is no pressure to race for the best time during the Niles Color Fun Run. Those who participate in the untimed 5K only have to worry about embracing the clouds of color tossed their way.

The race course will proceed along the Brandywine cross country track. At various places, volunteers will toss colored corn starch at those who run, walk or jog by.

Residents who join the Color Fun Run start the race in a white T-shirt and end with an abundance of colors splashed on their clothes.

The cost to sign up is $30. Those interested can sign up on Friday at the Greater Niles Senior Center between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. or at the race. Online registration is also available.

The proceeds will aid a number of projects that the Niles Service League completes over the years, such as providing local children with needed winter clothing, Christmas gifts for families in need, and scholarships to Brandywine, Buchanan and Niles graduates.

Brown encouraged those who participate to just have fun. Those who want to stroll the cross county trail, which winds along the woods, can do so.

There will also be the chance to participate in warm-up Zumba, which will be led by a YMCA instructor at 8 a.m.

Water stations are available along the way. The race often draws people of all ages to participate.

The cost is affordable and also contributes to those in need, Brown said.

“Our run is a lot cheaper than the regular color run,” Brown said. “And everything we raise goes back to the kids of the community.”

This year attendance is down. So far only 88 people have signed up to participate. Last year more than 200 people were signed up.

Brown said that they could also use more volunteers to sign up to splash color on people. So far 10 to 15 volunteers have signed up. Brown said the service league will take as many volunteers as they can get.

The Niles Service League assists will Meals on Wheels, food drives, the bloodmobile and the Salvation Army, in addition to several other local organizations.

 

How to join the run:

WHEN: 9 a.m. Saturday, April 22

WHERE: Brandywine Middle/Senior High School, 1700 Bell Road, Niles

COST: $30

SIGN UP: nilesserviceleague.org/5k-color-fun-run/