The Gov’s Color Run returned to APSU the evening of Saturday, Sept. 26. The starting line, finish line and after party were all held at the Intramural Fields. The event was hosted by Alumni Relations, and students, alumni and family members in the community were all welcome to participate.
The Color Run went through many changes from last year to this year, from the length of the track to the amount of paint thrown.
“[This year’s race] was a whole new race and race path with more paint, more money raised and louder music,” said Rylan Kean, APSU Special Events Coordinator.
The race was stretched from a single mile to two miles and as soon as any participant finished the race they entered the after party. Every 10 minutes from 6:30 to 7 p.m., paint was dropped onto the runners and scattered in every direction from paint packets.
Though many students got into the race itself for free, T-shirts and paint packets for the after party were available to be purchased during registration and post-race.
“As a freshman I like to get involved in activities that are going on,” said freshman psychology major Lamarkus Day. “[The Gov Run] is a fun event that goes to scholarships and helps people.”
The runners traveled in a large circular path passing through four color stations on the way, two with wet paint and two with dry. As participants passed the barricades at these stations, colors were thrown on them by volunteers.
The paint used in the run was completely biodegradable and safe. Though many choose to try and wear shirts they might preserve the colors on, the colors are likely to come out if a participant wished to wash what they wore.
“I think [the Gov’s run] is a great thing to do,” said freshman Music Education major Aubrey Lewis. “It’s something a lot of people get involved in.”
Participants were allowed to go at their own pace, and bring along children and babies. Though it was dubbed a “race” there was no clear winner.
“Everyone’s a winner because it’s for scholarships,” Kean said.
More than $4,000 in scholarship money was raised for the students at APSU.
