On a tour of 63 cities, the Color Me Rad run found its way back to Bakersfield for a second year.
“This is our first race to be twice in one city so we’re super excited,” said Kristine Peterson, volunteer coordinator.
Over 1,000 people took part in the fundraiser put on by CSUB. A portion of registration fees and any extra donations went straight to the Children’s Miracle Network to provide medical care and help kids who are suffering from an illness or others who have been injured.
People from wide range of ages participated in the 5k race, which started at the Kern County Fairgrounds. Participants ran up South P Street, down Belle Terrace and made their way back on to the fairgrounds, stopping by four color stations on the way.
Volunteers at the stations were prepared for the runners with paint in hand to make sure the runners left with more color on themselves than they already had.
As participants crossed the finish line, booming music and others who had already finished the race welcomed them. A “color bomb” or a small plastic bag filled with color, was handed to each racer. Every 15-20 minutes a color bombing party occurred to make sure everybody was covered in pink, yellow, blue and green.
Mayra Trejo, UCI student, came home to Bakersfield to take part in the event.
“My sis told me about it, and I saw YouTube videos of last year and I wanted to get involved,” Trejo said. “I’m glad I did. I didn’t think running could be as much fun.
“Forty-three dollars was a lot to run a 5k, but it felt good to be able to give back and have fun with the ones I love all at the same time.”
A renewing of vows marriage ceremony was held. The groom was in his best suit as well as the bride who was dressed in a color-blasted wedding dress.
Ashli Behill took part in the event for the first time.
“It was the most fun I ever had running,” Behill said. “It was strangely motivating to run to each color station to get colored bombed even though it kept getting in all the wrong places like my mouth. I would definitely do it again. But next time with more friends.”
Peterson said the event was a success and the outcome of this year was even better than last year. “We love Bakersfield, and we’ll be back next spring.”