Fun Run in Color 5K returns to Wheaton

With the weather warming up, April is prime time to get outside and get moving after a winter stuck indoors.

Wheaton-area residents can begin a spring fitness routine with a splash by participating in the Fun Run in Color 5K, returning for the second time from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 11, starting and ending at Memorial Park, 208 W. Union Ave., Wheaton.

Race director Ryan Miller says the decision to bring back the Fun Run was not a difficult one.

"We at the Wheaton Park District and Rotary Club of Central DuPage decided to host this event again because of the success we had in its inaugural year. We had more than 1,300 runners last year," he said.

Participants in the run are encouraged to wear white or light colors to maximize the color potential. Following the course through Wheaton neighborhoods and Northside Park, they will pass several "color stations," which will feature volunteers who will shower the runners with vibrant hues. The color is food-grade quality cornstarch that is biodegradable, nontoxic and 100 percent safe.

By the end of the race, participants will be a walking kaleidoscopes.

Miller said the race is fun, unaimed and noncompetitive.

"This event takes place in the early spring right when the weather is starting to break. This is a great time to start your fitness routine for the spring and summer seasons," he said. "It also takes place on a picturesque route that will allow participants to run on both blacktop and through Northside Park."

Kids are especially encouraged to participate, and costumes are more than welcome as a way to express creativity. An after party will feature DJ entertainment, giveaways, and the final color throw.

Proceeds from the run benefit local Rotary-supported charities, the Wheaton Park District Foundation and the DuPage County Historical Museum Foundation.

Registration costs $30 each for teams/groups of four or more individuals registering together and $35 for individuals.

Pricing increases to $40 per individual at packet pick up. No team pricing available after April 7. Packet pick up is April 9 at the Wheaton Park District Community Center.

Participants receive a T-shirt as part of their registration (registered children do not receive a shirt). For more information, visit wheatonparkdistrict.com/funrun or contact Nicole Kapala at nkapala@wheatonparks.org or (630) 510-4989.