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SALT LAKE CITY — Here comes another 5K that will take the country by storm, then cast a beautiful rainbow cloud in its wake.
There have recently been runs to benefit charities like Susan G. Komen and LifeQuest Transitions, runs for the future olympians and other ridiculously fit people, and fun runs for just that purpose, fun.
The Color Run has been visiting over 50 major cities in the U.S. for a couple of years now, and on Sept. 15, the Color Run comes to Salt Lake City for the first time. This 5K is purely for fun, encouraging runners of all ages and fitness levels to travel throughout Sandy, while keeping track of every kilometer based on what color is thrown at each color station.
Travis Snyder, founder of the Color Run and Salt Lake native, is excited that the success of the 5K has spread throughout the country enough to finally bring it home. "The demand has been crazy and exciting. Every day hundreds of people make requests on our facebook page for us to bring the event to their favorite city. We're excited to answer the call!" said Snyder.
This Color Run has partnered with the Huntsman Cancer Foundation, which strives to raise funds for cancer research, as well as "to understand cancer from its beginnings, to use that knowledge in the creation and improvement of cancer treatments, to relieve the suffering of cancer patients, and to provide education about cancer risk, prevention, and care" according to the Huntsman Cancer Institute's website, www.huntsmancancer.org.
"We love integrating ourselves into each community. Finding a great local charity that is highly involved in benefiting their community is very important. Rather than pick a national charity, which would be much easier, we chose a diverse group of charities. We have worked with everything from food banks to youth groups to children's hospitals." said Snyder.
The "color" portion of the run can be recognized as an homage to the popularity of the Hindu's religious festival, Holi, or the Festival of Colors, which is practiced at the beginning of spring each year all over the world, but predominantly in India and Nepal. The tradition has spread through the world, and participants of all religions come to festivals being held in their towns everywhere, including a large festival in Spanish Fork each year.
The registration for the Color Run in Salt Lake is between now and the day of the race. The race begins sharply at 9 a.m. There is a white shirt dress code, for runners to show off every kilometer proudly.
So, will you participate in this colorful 5K? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
