GO Color Lake Bluff infuses splash of fun into inaugural event.
Your ordinary 5K run doesn’t call for 500 pounds of corn starch. But then, GO Color Lake Bluff is not your typical 5K run.
On June 22, runners and walkers of all ages will gather for a 5K run and 3K walk that kicks off at the Lake Bluff Metra station parking lot and runs along the Robert McClory Bike Path. At each kilometer, the participants will be soaked from shoulder to toe in a different color of corn starch.
The event will benefit Lake Bluff Preschool, which is in the market for a new playground. Lake Bluff Park District Preschool and Early Childhood Director Dana Hansen says their current play- ground is beginning to rust.
“We would like to provide to the children an updated playground that includes musical instruments, stepping stones, benches, and a lower-to-the-ground play module,” she says.
Their goal is to raise $65,000 for the new play- ground. Hansen says they will also apply for state grants for land development.
The run and walk will begin at 9 a.m. The band Grapefruit, composed of students from Lake Forest High School, will perform at the starting line. They play mainly alter- native and classic rock.
“When I was asked if we had a good band to play this event, I knew Grapefruit would be a good fit,” says Lake Forest Student Union Program Manager Rick Day.“These guys are great musicians who all enjoy performing. Being that they are all from Lake Forest and Lake Bluff, they always enjoy being involved in community events.”
Emceeing the event is comedian Rick Young—a longtime resident of the area and the manager of the Chicago Comedy All-Stars.
At the starting line, groups of 25 people will be released every 90 seconds. Runners will go first and walkers will follow. They will be doused with
colored corn starch at each of the five color stations along the way.
“If you’ve ever done a color run and walk, you know how much fun they are,” says Lake Bluff Park District Fitness Center Manager Cati Christensen. “This event is a fun activity for the entire community especially families and kids of all ages.”
The event will also feature a Taste of the North Shore, with food vendors from Burnsie’s Uptown and Donati’s Pizza to Milwalky Taco and Suzy’s Swirl.
“There will be a photo wall for participants to take colorful selfies after the race,” Christensen says. “Some local businesses will be on hand with helpful information and demonstrations.”
They’ve signed up about 20 volunteers so far. Hansen says they could always use more.
“People should come to be a part of the first annual color run,” she says. “All those who come are guaranteed a great experience. Whether they would like to participate or simply be an observer, all will enjoy in color, food, and lots of fun.”
To register, donate, volunteer or learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit lakebluffparks.org.
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