Color Blast, Owensboro’s largest race, raises $30,000 for local nonprofits

March 17, 2019 | 3:20 am

Updated March 17, 2019 | 10:05 am

Color Blast supports Puzzle Pieces, GRADSA, Dream Riders and Team Karlie, four local organizations that serve citizens with different abilities. | Photo by AP Imagery

The Color Blast 5K is the largest race Owensboro sees annually and year seven was no different.

With over 1,500 participants and 53 teams represented, the race route around Moreland Park was full of runners, ready to be doused with color — a cornstarch and food coloring combo — by event volunteers.

Color Blast participants are doused with color throughout the race and end the race with a foam finish. | Photo by AP Imagery

Color Blast supports Puzzle Pieces, GRADSA, Dream Riders and Team Karlie, four local organizations that serve citizens with different abilities.

According to Puzzle Pieces Executive Director Amanda Owen, the race has had nearly 18,000 participants since its inception with over 1,000 volunteers to make it a success.

The City of Owensboro works with the event organizations on logistics, like closing the roads for the race.

“The color blast is a tremendous event that the city is excited to help support,” said City Public Events Director Tim Ross. “It’s the largest run annually in the city, and we are thrilled with the success of it in helping raise support for numerous special needs organizations here in Owensboro.”

After seven successful years, the race has gathered a community following. Teams and individual runners return each year not only for the 3.1-mile walk/run, but to show support for those with different abilities.

“The Color Blast has become an event in our community that families look forward to doing with their children to celebrate disability awareness and have fun of course,” Owen said. “Some teams and families haven’t missed a year and that is what makes this event still successful in year seven.”

Owen said the 2019 first place team was Kimberly Clark, second place Independence Bank, and Team Madelyn Rae took third place.

“We love that two of our sponsors have also the largest teams present,” Owen said. All sponsors included Independence Bank, Owensboro Pediatrics, American Patriot Getaways, Kimberly Clark, Alexander and Company, WBKR, the City of Owensboro and Blue Line Entertainment.

Profits from this year’s event totaled $30,000 to be divided among the four organizations. A portion of each year’s profit is donated to WHAS Crusade for Children out of Louisville. To date, over $300,000 has been donated to the nonprofit that raises money for agencies, schools and hospitals to better the lives of special needs children.

“We love seeing Owensboro come together to celebrate disability awareness while looking like a rainbow by the end of the race,” Owen said.

Photo by AP Imagery

March 17, 2019 | 3:20 am

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