Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
COVID NOT FORGOTTEN AT COLOR 5K EVENT
Set for Saturday, after a year's break
WEST CHESTER » The height of the COVID-19 pandemic last year may be fading from memory for some, but that does not mean it has been erased from the landscape. In September, there were almost 2,500 new positive cases reported.
So the organizers of the fifth annual Chester County Color 5K Run and Walk to help combat the opioid epidemic are recommending that those who wish to participate this year take precautions against the virus in doing so.
“We are so excited to be back in person for this year’s Color 5K, and we want to make sure that every person that joins us at the start-line can be confident that COVID-19 precautions are in place,” the county said in a press release about this year’s event, which will take place on Saturday in West Chester’s Everhart Park.
“Just as many other in-person race events are requesting that all runners and walkers be masked as everyone gathers close together for the start of the race, we are also asking that face-covering be worn at that time,” the press release states. “Once you have cleared the start line, and the crowd has spread out, your face covering can be optional.”
The organizers said they are not requiring proof of a COVID-19 vaccine to take part in the Color 5K, but strongly encourage anyone eligible who has not yet received the vaccine, to do so. As of last week, the vaccination rate for the county was 68 percent of residents with at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
There is also a virtual option
for those who want to help fight the opioid and heroin epidemic in the county but are not comfortable with running in person. Registration up to and including the day of the event remains the same, with an option to note virtual participation. Participants can still collect their Color 5K “bag of goodies” — a long-sleeve T-shirt, sunglasses and colorful bandana — and then run at their own pace, and in their place of choosing.
As in previous years, funds raised through this year’s Color 5K will specifically support Chester County’s innovative Community Outreach Prevention and Education (COPE) program.
Through the COPE program, overdose survivors who are treated in the emergency rooms at any hospital in the county can meet with a certified recovery specialist within an hour of entering the hospital. The peer specialist engages with the overdose survivor and provides personal
support and a direct connection to treatment and recovery services.
“The goal of COPE is to work with overdose survivors, helping to move them from the ER to treatment, with their approval, regardless of insurance status,” said county Commissioner Josh Maxwell., who along with his colleague Marian Moskowitz and Michelle Kichline, as well as District Attorney deb Ryan, are the prime organizers of the event.
“COPE peer specialists also work with the overdose survivor’s family and friends to advise on how to navigate insurance coverage, ways to get treatment, and to provide Narcan and educate them how to use it,” Maxwell said in the county release. “It has already proven to be a successful program, and money coming from this year’s Color 5K will help to expand it.”
Kichline, whose determination to address the opioid and
heroin crisis in the county led to the first and subsequent Color 5K events, said that “Never before was a service like the COPE program available, especially to the extent that it is now.”
She noted the absence of the run in 2020. “We were so disappointed to have to take a break from the Color 5K because of the pandemic, but on Oct. 9 we will be able to once again run — and walk — to fight the devastating control that opioids have taken on so many people that we love.”
Said Ryan: “Chester County had 105 people die from drug overdoses in 2020, the majority of which involved fentanyl. These deaths were preventable with intervention and treatment. My office wholeheartedly supports the Color 5K because it’s a chance for our community to unite in a fun and healthy way against the devastating effects of drugs.”
Presenting sponsor for the 2021 Chester County Color 5K is the John R. Gailey III and JoEllen Berger Charitable Fund.
Moskowitz gave the fund thanks.”We are extremely grateful to the trustees of the John R. Gailey III and JoEllen Berger Charitable Fund for this transformational contribution. This lead sponsorship will truly help us to leverage even more funding as we seek to find solutions to help those suffering from opioid addiction.”
Pre-race registration is open now for individuals and teams, at www.chesco. org/color5k. Race-day registration is available up to 8:30 a.m. and the race starts at 9:00 a.m.
The Chester County Color 5K is administered by the Chester County Community Foundation. All Color 5K sponsorships can be noted as 501©(3) charitable tax deductions.