FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- After a record-setting inaugural race in 2015, Fort Rucker Physical Fitness Center will host the 2016 Color Run Aug. 20.
Nearly 850 people signed up and ran in the 2015 Color Run. The event garnered so much attention that extra time was needed for registration and the run route was adjusted to accommodate the extra runners.
This year's race begins at 8 a.m. at the Fort Rucker Festival Fields. Registration will be 7-7:45 a.m.
Lynn Avila, Fort Rucker fitness program coordinator, hopes this year's event will see even more runners covered from head to toe in a variety of colors.
"It is the perfect opportunity for individuals, couples and families to have active outdoor fun," she said. "The event is not timed, so there is no pressure to compete or worry about when you finish -- just have fun.
"We want participants to feel as though they've accomplished something -- because they have," she said. "Getting up off the couch and stepping outside to be active is highly beneficial, especially as a family. Participating in a community event like this can improve the rest of your day and help you meet new people."
According to Avila, runners who participated in last year's event offered only high praise.
"Everyone smiled and laughed," she said. "There's just something about running through clouds of bright colors and getting covered from head to toe that takes you back to being a kid."
Embracing one's youth, Avila said, is precisely why families are urged to bring their children to the event.
"All ages are welcome and encouraged to attend," she said. "There will be no separate fun run because we consider this entire event a fun run. Feed the kids a nutritious breakfast and bring them to run through clouds of color. They'll have a blast and you will, too."
The run is a 2-mile event that will feature color stations set up along the course. The stations will feature different colors made up of corn starch that will be thrown by volunteers onto runners as they pass. Participants are encouraged to wear white to get as colorful as possible. T-shirts for sale through MWR are white with a splash of color on the front.
The race will begin at the festival fields between the two fields and turn right onto Andrews Avenue. It will then turn left onto Gladiator Street and around Third Avenue back to Andrews Avenue and then a right between the two festival fields.
The cost is $15 with no T-shirt for individuals, or $20 with a T-shirt included now through Aug. 15. The cost with a T-shirt Aug. 15 through race day is $25, while supplies last.
When all participants have crossed the finish line, everyone will gather with a cup full of color and toss it in the air for maximum color coverage. This is the color explosion and patrons are encouraged to have their cameras ready to capture a shot of the color coming down, Avila said.
People can register at either physical fitness center or MWR Central in Bldg. 5700. Participants are encouraged to register early. Children under age 12 may run for free. Refreshments, including popsicles, water and sports drinks, will be provided and the event is open to the public. There will also be a free bouncy house and music, Avila said.
Anyone who does not possess a Department of Defense identification card must obtain a gate access pass. Visitors may obtain passes from the visitor control centers at the Daleville and Ozark gates. The Daleville VCC is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays through Sundays. The Ozark VCC is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.
For more information, call 255-2296.
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