Publication Date: 04/03/2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wheaton, Ill.—Orange, pink, yellow, and blue are some of spring’s brightest colors, and runners in the Wheaton Park District’s Fun Run in Color 2017 on April 22, 9A will see plenty of them.

This family friendly 5K starts in Memorial Park at 208 W. Union Ave., Wheaton, Ill., where the first 1,500 participants receive a short-sleeve race shirt. From the starting line, they head through four color stations in the streets of downtown Wheaton and the paths of Northside Park (1300 N. West St., Wheaton, Ill.) before returning to Memorial Park for an after-party.

“For the avid runner it’s a great first race of the season, untimed and fun,” said Race Director Ryan Miller. “For the families, it’s a great way to be active together, and kids love the color.”

Each year, dozens of volunteers and sponsors throw roughly 2,000 pounds of color to decorate the outfits of more than a thousand racers, but there’s no need for spring cleaning here.

“Our color is a powder that’s made from biodegradable, food-grade cornstarch,” said Kristina Nemetz, Superintendent of Marketing & Special Events. “Some people even roll around in it, trying to be as colorful as possible.”

Nemetz encourages runners to wear light-colored clothes for better contrast.

“Runners like to get in the spirit of Fun Run and show off their personality and wear really colorful socks, headbands, or tutus,” she said.

After they’ve crossed the finish line, participants can gather on Karlskoga Ave. for post-race refreshments, vendors, sponsors, DJ entertainment, and a final color throw.

“That can make for some really great pictures,” Nemetz said.

Strollers and wagons are required to take off in the last wave start. The race is untimed and open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities.

“There’s room for runners who want to go at their usual pace and there’s room for families who just want to enjoy themselves and have fun outdoors in the middle of spring,” Miller said.

Registration is $35 per person through April 18 and $40 per person on April 20 and 22. Team rates of $30 per person are also available through April 18. Must have at least four runners to qualify for team rate. Register at wheatonparkdistrict.com/funrun.

Proceeds benefit local Rotary Club of Wheaton A.M. charities and the Play For All Playground & Garden Foundation, dedicated to creating barrier-free play for children in DuPage County.

Fun Run in Color 2017 is sponsored by First Trust Portfolios L.P.; Gerald Subaru; Michael S. Scherer, D.D.S. M.D; Servpro; Wheaton Center Apartments; Robert R. McCormick Foundation; Bauer & Bauer Dentistry & Orthodontics; Parks Plus Fitness Center; Orangetheory Fitness; DuPage Medical Group; Wheaton Bank & Trust Company; BodyGears Physical Therapy; Ivy Restaurant; TopGolf; and Pinstripes.

The Wheaton Park District’s Fun Run in Color 2017 will paint Wheaton orange, pink, yellow, and blue on April 22, 9A. Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome.

Photo © Wheaton Park District 2016. High-resolution photo available on Dropbox.