Welcome spring with Fun Run in Color 5K

Area residents can welcome the bright colors of spring and get some post-winter exercise by taking on some colors of their own in the Wheaton Park District and Rotary Club of Wheaton A.M.'s third annual Fun Run in Color 5K.

The race steps off at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 16, from Memorial Park, 208 W. Union St., Wheaton.

"This event takes place in the early spring, right when the weather is starting to break," race director Ryan Miller said.

"This is a great time to start your fitness routine for the spring and summer seasons. It also takes place on a picturesque route that will allow participants to run on both blacktop and through Northside Park."

Runners are encouraged to wear light colors, as they'll be showered along the route with vibrant dyes made from safe, food-grade, biodegradable cornstarch, giving racers their own brilliant color palettes by the time they go home.

Spring- and color-themed costumes are welcome. The T-shirt included as part of each runner's registration is white, providing the greatest contrast and showing off every racer's unique kaleidoscope of color.

After crossing the finish line, runners can jump into the after-party, complete with DJ entertainment, giveaways, post-race refreshments and the final color throw. Festivities continue until noon.

Proceeds from Fun Run in Color 5K benefit local Rotary-supported charities and the Play for All Playground and Garden Foundation, which develops and maintains the Sensory Garden Playground, specially designed so children of all abilities can play side-by-side with their peers.

Register at wheatonparkdistrict.com/funrun. The cost is $35 before Thursday, April 14, $40 after; or $30 per member for a team of at least four.

Team registration is available through Tuesday, April 12. Children younger than 5 must register, but are complimentary (no shirt included).

Runners pick up their race packets from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 14, at the Wheaton Park District Community Center, 1777 S. Blanchard Road, Wheaton.

The Fun Run in Color 5K is an untimed run and walk for all ages and abilities. To learn more, contact Miller at rmiller@wheatonparks.org or (630) 510-5135.

If you go

What: Fun Run in Color 5K

When: 9 a.m. Saturday, April 16

Where: Memorial Park, 208 W. Union St., Wheaton

Cost: $35 before April 14, $40 after; $30 per person for teams

Info: wheatonpark district.com/funrun