Preview: Get Your Color On 5k in Salem on July 19

If you are looking for a low key, but fun color-themed run, consider checking out the Get Your Color On 5k & 800m Kid's Race in Salem on July 19. The non-competitive (and therefore non-timed and awardless) event is sponsored by the Salem Art Association and is held during the popular Salem Art Fair & Festival. The fair and the races are held at Salem's Bush Park with the start/finish line in the grass field SE of McCulloch Stadium. The course is “cross country” in style and runners will cross over between paved bike paths, bark dust trails and grass. There will be no dogs or wheeled devices of any sort allowed in 5k. Wheeled devices, however, are allowed in the 800m Kids’ Fun Run.

My oldest daughter and I did the kid’s race last year and we had a blast. We actually did two color-themed runs last year and this one was the better of the bunch – especially for kids.  Prior to the race, participants who would like to “get their color on” will be prompted to throw their color into the air simultaneously  at 7:30 am.

Here are some highlights from our 2013 experience.

As we were driving to the event, we passed alongside the 5k runners on the bark paths and I was very excited to see that they were already plastered with color! That was a good omen. When we arrived at the start line, music was blasting and colored cornstarch were there for the taking. My daughter, who is typically resistant to being dirty, was very open to making her daddy look silly. I returned the favor.

There were so many smiles (along with a rainbow’s array of color) graced the kid’s faces. The run was almost an afterthought at that point. We started in the grass in Bush Park and completed a short loop around the park on a paved trail. I would like to see, in future years of this race, some dye being “thrown” at runners during some sections of the race as well (all dependent on the city approving it). That would have really been an awesome thing.

Other then that one little recommendation, my daughter and I didn’t have any complaints. All runners received silly colored sunglasses, and there were post race liquid refreshments and water bottles. These were all perfect complements to a small local race. There has already been a lot of positive feedback, and I hope that this event continues to accompany the Salem Art Fair.

Sometimes it is not about the distance, or the time, or the swag. Sometimes all that matters is getting out in the community and having fun with loved ones.