Colors to fly over Wheaton Fun Run in Color Saturday
In this race, it's not water stations that runners will use to gauge their progress, it's color stations.
Athletes of all ages and abilities will zoom through four color stations on their way to the finish line Saturday, April 14, when the Wheaton Park District presents Fun Run in Color, a 5K race through the city's downtown.
“As runners go through, we throw colors — blue, orange, green and pink,” said Kristina Nemetz, the park district's marketing supervisor.
The biodegradable, nontoxic cornstarch powder creates a billowy haze that floats on the wind and settles, temporarily, on runners and their clothes.
“They start with a white shirt and end up with tie dye,” Nemetz said.
The race starts at 9 a.m. in Memorial Park at Main Street and Seminary Avenue, winds north through side streets to Northside Park, then heads back south to finish at Memorial Park.
The annual event began five years ago when Rotary Club of Wheaton A.M. decided to partner with the park district.
“The Rotary came to us and they were looking to do a run in Wheaton, something that was a little different,” Nemetz said.
The run benefits the Sensory Garden Playground, a Lisle facility supported by several community groups including the park district and the Play for All Playground and Garden Foundation, a nonprofit group that seeks ways to provide recreational opportunities for all, including children with disabilities.
Nemetz said the playground is specifically aimed at providing a play area for children with autism.
“The first phase is complete and phase two will have their ground breaking on May 19,” she said.
The race is untimed so that all ages and abilities can participate without undue attention on the competitive aspect of the run, Nemetz said. Afterward, a celebration will feature music and one final color toss.
Close to 100 volunteers recruited by Rotary help keep runners, walkers and runners-pushing-baby-strollers on track, Nemetz said. Participants are welcome to walk leashed dogs along the route, too.
“The kids love it,” she said, “And families love it.”
If you go
What: Fun Run in Color, organized by Wheaton Park District and Rotary Club of Wheaton A.M.
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, April 14
Where: Memorial Park, 208 W. Union Ave., Wheaton
Cost: $35 per person; free for children 5 and younger
Info: (630) 690-4880 or wheatonparkdistrict.com