With a successful Owensboro Lip Sync Battle in the rearview, Amanda Owen and the staff at Puzzle Pieces have now switched gears to focus on planning for the 2019 Color Blast 5K on Saturday, March 16.
While Puzzle Pieces does much of the planning and preparation, there are four area nonprofits that both coordinate and benefit from the proceeds of the non-competitive race including Puzzle Pieces, Green River Area Down Syndrome Association (GRADSA), Dream Riders of Kentucky and Team Karlie. The common mission of all four organizations is to support and enhance the quality of life for those with disabilities.
The Color Blast 5K was designed as a family-friendly fundraising event where participants could walk or run in order to celebrate and recognize the positive impact that individuals with disabilities have on the Owensboro community. This experience was designed so that individuals of all ages, body types, speeds and abilities could participate in the fun.
In keeping with the dress of the day, most participants wear nearly all white (including their Color Blast race day T-shirt) along with fun accessories such as tall socks, headbands or tutus. At each mile marker along the route, participants will be “showered with a safe and non-toxic colored powder” to brighten their all-white attire.
Like last year, this year’s 5K event falls on the same weekend as St. Patrick’s Day, causing many to add shades of green to their already unique outfits. For that reason, Owen said she anticipates an extra special celebration this year.
“We are looking forward to celebrating with a St. Patty’s Day pre-party with our great sponsors, Independence Bank,” Owen said, “and the Foam After Party — it was a hit last year.”
Aside from the support of local sponsors, the success of the race depends primarily on the number of participants that sign up, which means the larger the group the better. Each year area schools, businesses and organizations sign up hoping to boast the largest group numbers.
In order to continue to have over 3,000 people in attendance, Owen said, “We need participants to enter with friends, co-workers and family members.”
As far as what people can do to help beyond participating in the 5K itself, Owen can always use volunteers, especially at the various color stations and mile markers tossing powder into the air over the participants.
The Color Blast 5K will be held Saturday, March 16 at Moreland Park from 8-10 a.m., with packet pick-up beginning at 6:30 a.m. The cost for registration prior to March 1 is a $25 race fee + a $2.50 sign up fee. After March 1, the race fee will increase to $35. The student race fee is $15 and children 5 and under are free, but do not receive a shirt or powder.
Race shirts will be included with registration packets only to those participants who register prior to March 1, after that date shirt sizes and availability cannot be guaranteed. With an additional donation of $7 or more, participants can also choose to receive a tutu.
To enroll for Color Blast 2019 online click here or download the paper registration form here.
