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Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Color run at Clark Elementary
One of the popular end of year activities at Clark Elementary is the color run. Students of all ages gather outside Clark and run counterclockwise around the block as many times as they can.
At the four corners are volunteers waiting with pails of colored chalk. As students run by they get a shower of chalk dust.
Some students do their best to avoid getting chalk on their t-shirts but others try to get as much color as they can.
A great effort is made to avoid eyes and nose but some students like the color in their hair. The entire run has only one point --- FUN!! Well maybe exercise is also a goal.
In the United States the Color Run began in March 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Run blended fund raising with a 5K for the purpose of promoting health awareness. Travis Snyder produced the first event.
The idea quickly spread and in 2012 was held in over 50 cities. The number of events currently held is not known.
Travis’ idea was inspired by events like paint parties, Disney’s World Of Color and Mud Runs.
However, color-throwing has an interesting background and a long history. There is a Hindu festival, Holi, where participants throw scented and colored powders at each other to celebrate Spring.
It makes perfect sense to adapt this event to a celebration of the end of the school year and the beginning of summer.
