Anyone who stumbled upon our recent photo shoot at the Tridge caught a glimpse of this year’s colorful United Way kick-off celebration. The new Community Colors 5k is a unique paint race that celebrates healthy living and the power of giving, advocating and volunteering.  Registration is now open.

The race will be held September 14th at 3:00 , starting at Northwood University and follows the rail trail to the Tridge.

This community- and family-friendly event is more about celebrating and less about your finish time. With no winners or official times, the Community Colors 5k caters to everyone – 2 year olds to 80 year olds, first time runners to professional athletes. Some want a great family experience, others want to kick-start new healthy habits. Others want to honor loved ones, improve their runs times or create life-long memories with friends.

Everyone is invited to join the fun, including a free Kids Color Obstacle Course for those too young to run. Each person begins the race in a white LIVE UNITED T-shirt and will be doused with color along the way as they learn about our community. Everyone will finish the race plastered in color, including a memorable “color festival” ending with live entertainment.

Registration is now open and runs through September 5th. The cost is $15 per person, or $40 for a family. Registration includes special event T-shirts, water bottles and race bibs. The Kids Color Obstacle Course is free to all children and will start at 4:00 p.m. near the Tridge.

Whether you are a casual mall walker or an Olympic hopeful, the 3.1 miles of the Community Colors 5k course will be the most memorable and colorful run of your life!