5K Color Fun Run during Labor Day Weekend

Photo courtesy of TAC Facebook - 5K Color Fun Run participants enjoy the dusting of colors as they run past a checkpoint in South Bend.

The annual 5K Color Fun Run/Walk is this weekend on Saturday, September 2 at the Koplitz Field House at the South Bend High School. Registration and check-in starts at 7:00 a.m. and the run starts at 8:00 a.m. All abilities are welcome.

The run is hosted by the Teen Advocacy Coalition (TAC) and the mission is to bring the community together in a family-fun and healthy activity.

"The Color Run is 5 years in the making and was started by the coalition board of directors as a way to bring families together for health and wellness," said Paul Karnatz with TAC.

"The race route starts at the Koplitz Field House in front of the South Bend High School and goes down 101, in and around the south bend neighborhood and back to the Koplitz Fieldhouse," he continued. "Each color represents a strength on the Sources of Strength (Evidence-Based Youth Suicide Prevention Curriculum); Red-Mental Health, Orange - Family Support, Yellow- Positive Friends, Green- Mentors, Blue - Healthy Acitivites, Grey- Generosity, Purple - Spirituality, Teal - Medical Access."

Non-toxic colored powder is used as the runners pass certain checkpoints.

Cost for the run is free for 18 years and younger and $20 for over 18. Online registration is open until August 31 at bit.ly/46mcto8.

"We have 200 people signed up and have room for another 100," said Karnatz. "Yes we take last minute registrations."

After the race water and snacks will be provided to the participants.

"People of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate," Karnatz said. "We call this a fun run because it's not about the fastest time, it's about enjoying time spent with family and friends in a healthy way. The South Bend Kiwanis Club will be providing Breakfast for a donation before and during the race. We will have an MC, raffle, music and organizations set up at registration. Every participant gets a t-shirt, sunglasses, water, bottle, swag bag, fitness towel and more!"

Help support this family friendly and fun event to support Substance Use and Suicide Prevention programs in North Pacific County.