Wheaton's Fun Run in Color welcomes spring
Orange, pink, yellow and blue are some of spring's brightest colors, and runners in the Wheaton Park District's Fun Run in Color 2017 see plenty of them.
As participants traverse the 5K course through downtown Wheaton and Northside Park, they'll head through four color stations where volunteers will toss colored powder on them.
"For the avid runner, it's a great first race of the season, untimed and fun," said Ryan Miller, race director. "For the families, it's a great way to be active together, and kids love the color."
Each year, dozens of volunteers and sponsors throw roughly 2,000 pounds of color to decorate the outfits of more than a 1,000 racers, but there's no need for spring cleaning here.
"Our color is a powder that's made from biodegradable, food-grade cornstarch," said Kristina Nemetz, superintendent of marketing and special events. "Some people even roll around in it, trying to be as colorful as possible."
Nemetz encourages runners to wear light-colored clothes for better contrast.
"Runners like to get in the spirit of Fun Run and show off their personality and wear really colorful socks, headbands or tutus," she said.
The family-friendly 5K starts at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 22, in Memorial Park, 208 W. Union Ave., Wheaton. The first 1,500 participants receive a short-sleeve race shirt.
After they've crossed the finish line, participants can gather on Karlskoga Avenue for post-race refreshments, vendors, sponsors, DJ entertainment and a final color throw.
"That can make for some really great pictures," Nemetz said.
Strollers and wagons are required to take off in the last wave start. The race is untimed and open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities.
"There's room for runners who want to go at their usual pace and there's room for families who just want to enjoy themselves and have fun outdoors in the middle of spring," Miller said.
Registration is $35 per person through Tuesday, April 18, and $40 per person on Thursday, April 20, and Saturday, April 22. Team rates of $30 per person are also available through April 18 for those who have at least four runners for a team. Register at wheatonparkdistrict.com/funrun.
Proceeds benefit local Rotary Club of Wheaton A.M. charities and the Play for All Playground and Garden Foundation, dedicated to creating barrier-free play for children in DuPage County.
If you go
What: Fun Run in Color
Why: Proceeds support Rotary Club charities and the Play for All Playground and Garden Foundation
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, April 22
Where: Memorial Park, 208 W. Union Ave., Wheaton
Cost: $35 individual, $30 per person for a four-person team to April 18; $40 per person April 20 and 22
Register: wheatonparkdistrict.com/funrun