Hundreds run in colorful 5K
Written by Mitch Henline
WELLSVILLE –The DJ made it clear to the hundreds of runners that showed up to the American West Heritage Center Saturday morning that it didn't matter whether they finished in first place or whether they came across the finish line very last, that this race was all about having fun and getting covered in colored chalk.
The Cache Valley Color Vibe 5K is one of more than 100 of its kind in the US and one of three in Utah. There are no winners or losers and colored chalk is thrown at the participants during the race and at the dance party held at the finish line.
"It's unlike any timed 5Ks because there isn't any pressure to run and set a personal record," said Taylor Spencer, who is the event director of the Color Vibe. "Participants are encouraged to be active, healthy, and have the time of their lives."
Pink, green, yellow and blue chalk were thrown at the racers as they ran the 3.1 miles of winding path through the Heritage Center. It was also sprayed at them through leaf blowers at the starting line and at times a cloud of chalk covered the entire dance party afterward. Many people took their time as they made their way through the course, getting as covered in chalk as possible.
"I love to run," said Adam York from Saratoga Springs. "So just running in general was fun for me, but there were definitely a lot of people going slower."
For $50, participants could register for the race and get a Color Vibe T-shirt and a bag of chalk to throw. Part of the proceeds from the race went to support the American West Heritage Center.
"The Heritage Center hosts several activities to educate visitors about the early culture and lifestyle of the valley and we felt we wanted to help them in their endeavors to educate and entertain the community and any visitors," said Spencer.
Posted in LocalTagged Adam York, American West Heritage Center, Cache Valley, Color Vibe 5k, Taylor Spencer