Color Run to open Homecoming Week

Nicole Aguiar/Staff Writer

To kick off the Homecoming festivities with a rush, FIU will be hosting its first-ever Homecoming Color Run at the Biscayne Bay Campus. An active way to celebrate FIU’s panther pride, the event puts a colorful twist to running.

The event will take place on Oct. 6 from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. giving students just enough time to get ready for the Homecoming Panthermonium concert later that day.

Inspired by the newly-themed runs that are happening worldwide, the run was created in hopes to add an exciting flare that can attract a wider range of runners.

The non-timed 5k incorporates throwing colored-powder paint and colored-water on runners as they pass through “color stations” along the course.

The FIU Triathlon Club has been planning the Homecoming Color Run for approximately six months.

“[We have] gained valuable experience on large scale event logistics, leadership skills and marketing, and have gotten a look into the running event industry right here at BBC,” said race director Christina Reddick.

The run is open to anyone who wishes to participate: students, staff, alumni, faculty and friends. For FIU students, registration is free; however, space is limited.

Runners can register as a single runner, or if they want to share the experience with friends and family, there is also a team option. There are teams with as many as 19 runners at the moment.

At FIU’s first color run in February 2013, teams got creative and made matching costumes to run the 5k.

The Homecoming Color Run is being organized not just as another fun event during Homecoming, but to raise money for the FIU Triathlon Club, which represents FIU in runs and competitions all over South Florida. While Tri Club involves a lot of training and preparation time, it also comes with its fair share of expenses.

“We practice on campus with a certified triathlon coach, Diane Calloway and the runs we plan on campus throughout the year are fundraising events for the student club to help pay for coaching, and expenses for upcoming triathlons,” said Reddick.

Once at the event, runners can support not only the Triathlon club, but also Dance Marathon, as they will be checking bags for $2 per runner.

All money raised for Dance Marathon will be going to the Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation to help children with medical needs in the community.

For those who wish to run, registration is online at active.com keyword “FIU.”

Students who don’t wish to run can still participate by volunteering. For those who wish to volunteer, contact Christina Reddick at reddickc@fiu.edu.

 -bbc@fiusm.com