A burst of color hit the streets in Franklin Park Sunday at the town’s first ever “Color Run, Walk and Roll 5K” event.
Participants wore light colors while supporters sat at stations along the route and tossed colored chalk powder at them. By the end, most participants were pouring sweat and dripping psychedelic colors.
The inaugural event attracted hundreds of participants and Catherine Saponieri, the marketing manager for Park District of Franklin Park, said she expects the run to become an annual tradition.
“It’s great to have that many people interested in coming out for us on a Sunday,” she said.
The Color Run was a draw for families who wanted to have a bit of fun, support the community and, as it turned out, enjoy a break from the rain that swept through the community all the night prior. The village organized the run as a fundraiser for the Parks Foundation and the Franklin Park District 84 PTA. So in addition to getting dirty, participants got to do some good.
Saponieri said the Color Run seemed like a good fit for a community fundraiser as it would attract more than hardcore runners. Some moms ran with strollers and kids rolled through the course on scooters.
“We wanted something that would attract not just runners, but the whole family,” she said.
Besides the PTA, the village will use its share of the money to fund scholarships for summer camps, according to Liz Visteen, the superintendent of recreation for the village. All summer the Park District offers camps to area kids, from 2 years old to 14. The scholarships will assist families who may need help affording a spot, officials said.
“We’re really excited to see the community come out for the event,” said Visteen. “The weather was a little iffy, so we’re excited to see everyone out. We wanted to do something that brought the community together.”
Some of the participants were neighbors, hitting the course and trying something new.
“We live in the neighborhood and we just wanted to support the community,” said Todd Mayer, gesturing to his friends, while other participants had a more vested interest in the run.
“Well first, I’m here for the exercise,” said Carrier Jedlink. “Second, my daughter works for District 84, and then I am a member of the [Park] District’s exercise group. So, I’m out here to support all that.”
Jedlink said she wasn’t afraid to get dirty, either. In fact, even before the start of the race, she was resigned to her fate.
“My daughter is at one of the last tables, so I have an idea there will be no mercy on me,” she laughed.
Jesse Wright is a freelancer.