Registration is open for the DYE HARD 5K on Sunday, April 28, at 10 a.m. at the Clark County Fairgrounds in Springfield. The Dye Hard 5K is a race in which participants get showered with safe, eco-friendly, colored powder while running or walking the route. Plaques will be awarded for the overall top finishers, and medals will be given to the winners of each age group. Over 1,200 participants and 200 volunteers are expected to participate this year in the event. Proceeds benefit the Developmental Disabilities Endowment Fund of the Springfield Foundation, a 501c3 organization. People with developmental disabilities participate in the Dye Hard 5K by walking and running, and by throwing color on the participants. The public can register for the race and get more information at tiny.cc/dh5k2019 .
“The purpose of the Dye Hard 5K is for the participants to have fun!” said race coordinator Melissa Baker. “This fun event is for people of all abilities to celebrate every year. It’s an opportunity for our community to show they care about people who have an intellectual disability, autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or a traumatic brain injury. The Dye Hard 5K participants show their support for some of our community’s most vulnerable citizens.”
“While it is a race, a lot of people come and walk it just to have fun and play in the color,“ said Baker. “We have ten color stations, all with different colors, plus lots of fun things planned, including a DJ to ramp up the party, food trucks, and a photo booth. Plus at the start of the race everyone lines up for a color throw - which is a really cool sight with all the different colors being thrown in the air.”
Early bird registration is only $30 before March 31, and $35 through April 21. Race day registration is $40. Groups of six or more can get a $6 discount per person. “Sign up before April 1 for a free shirt, color packet, and swag bag,” said Baker. The public can join the event Dye Hard 5K on Facebook for more information.
PHOTOS CAPTION: Participants in last year’s DYE HARD 5K had a great time and got covered in color. Photos Credit: Andy Grimm