Boys and Girls Club “Color Run” provides fun morning for all ages

A total of 53 participants enjoyed the Shelby County Boys and Girls Club inaugural “Color Run” Saturday morning as a steady stream of walkers and runners navigated the approximately two-mile course from the Club to Shelbyville High School and back again.

“We were looking for a new activity that combined exercise and fundraising,” said Club CEO Jennifer Huesman. “The Boys and Girls Club is our hub, the center of what we do, so we wanted to start from there.”

The route proceeded from the Boys and Girls Club south on Miller Street to the gate at the high school’s northside parking lot before turning around to return to the Club.

Color runs have become increasingly popular in recent years.

The simple concept is to have people walk or run a specified path through color sprays along the way. Four color stations decorated the participants with harmless, washable color material on the non-competitive journey.

The event received excellent support, for which Huesman is very thankful.

“City police and fire were extremely helpful as was Shelbyville Central Schools,” said Huesman. “We also had 28 generous sponsors.”

Proceeds from Joe Harlan’s recent book, “You can go anywhere in the world from Shelbyville, Indiana,” served as the event’s primary sponsor. Major Health Partners, Dr Phil Batton at Today’s Dental Care, Nucor and Knauf Insulation were water sponsors.  There were an additional 23 T-shirt sponsors.

Walkers received a commemorative T-shirt.

“We hope to build on this and grow the color run each year,” said Huesman. “I believe it has great potential.”