Become a human rainbow at unique local charity run
It’s not your average fundraiser run — this one gets a bit messier than most. For the fourth year, the Habitat for Humanity Colour Run Walk Skip will take place down in Kiwanis Pavillion in Wakamow Valley on Sept. 14, with an 11 a.m. start to the fun run after the opening ceremonies and a fun warmup. The fun run features a family-friendly 5km course and plenty of opportunities to collect a few different bursts of colour — in the form of cornstarch-based powder — along the way. In addition to the four colour stations along the course, each participant is given a colour packet to do whatever they like with — dust yourself with it or maybe someone running with you, or save it until the end of the run to shower over the crowd during the annual group photo.
Either way, there’s no way possible to miss out on becoming a walking kaleidoscope. Runners are encouraged to wear white to the event, in order to better capture the coloured cornstarch that they will definitely be covered in by the end of the day.
Heidi Tiller, fund development coordinator for Habitat for Humanity, has seen great turnout in past years and encourages everyone to embrace the color.
“We thought it would be something fun to bring to the community and something that hadn’t really been done before,” said Tiller. “It’s just about coming out with your friends and family and helping support a local cause.” Colour runs swept the public away a few years ago and Moose Jaw’s success is no surprise — especially as this run is held in support of Habitat for Humanity Moose Jaw, which has broken ground on its ninth build here in the city.
In the few years it’s been running, the event has raised around $35,000 for Habitat for Humanity, with an average of 200 to 350 runners gathering each year. Tiller is hoping to see just as many smiling faces again this year and is aiming to raise $10,000 with the event. The Colour Run even has a School Challenge, which Tiller says originated with a group of devoted Vanier students who take part every year and invites other schools to consider joining in — the school with the most funds raised gets a pizza party. Registration for the run is done online by searching for the event on www.eventbrite. ca, for participants ages 5 and up. Children under the age of 5 can join the run for free.
Although it is a 5km course, Tiller insists that there’s no pressure. The run isn’t timed, and participants can make their way through the colour stations at whatever pace they please.
For those looking to get colourful, now is the time — until Aug. 31, early bird pricing means that runners save $15 on their registration fee. For more information about the Run, check the event’s Facebook page or send Heidi an email at habitatmjcolourrun@hotmail.com.