Katie Pietzold, Oregon News Lab
Sunday, May 10, 2015
EUGENE, Ore. – The Eugene Rotary Club sponsored the second annual Color Dash 5K at Camp Harlow on Sunday afternoon. Nearly 600 runners participated in the event, doubling last year’s participation.
The main draw for participants is the non-toxic, dyed cornstarch that is thrown at them by volunteers as they run the course. In addition, each participant receives a packet of colored dye to throw at other runners with a range of colors to choose from.
“Hopefully it will grow every year,” said Barry Miller, this year’s chairperson.
Proceeds raised by the event support the Eugene Public Library Foundation’s “Imagination Library,” which provides a book a month for children ages five and under to encourage literacy and reading.
The proceeds also benefit the Lane Arts Council by providing high-quality accessible arts programs to local schools. “So many programs are cutting the arts and this will allow creativity for the young kids,” Miller said.
The Color Dash charity shares 50 percent of the proceeds with the Eugene Rotary compared to other runs that share only 15 percent. “They are committed to really benefiting the area cause and the area charity,” said Monica Wilton, last year’s chairperson.
“We really want it to be known as a fabulous opportunity for families, and it’s something to do on Mother’s Day,” Wilton said. “This is a beautiful day, beautiful setting for families to come out and be active together. It’s a perfect theme for rotary and for benefitting youth.”
Katie Pietzold 