While jogging might not seem like the definition of fun to most people, the Student Government Association (SGA) found a way to incorporate running, paint and the spirit of Homecoming week into one event.
The first “Lion Pride Color Run” was held on Tuesday, Oct. 23 at 5 p.m. at North Oak Park as one of the events of this year’s Homecoming. In order to enter into the run, participants had to donate either a used pair of shoes or three T-shirts.
“We wanted to change it up a little bit,” said SGA President Branden Summers. “We wanted to get more than just the Greeks involved. We wanted to get the regular students involved, your commuter students, because that is what Homecoming is all about.”
The run consisted of participants running the North Oak Park’s track. About a quarter of the way through the track, the runners were hosed down by the Southeastern fire engine as they made their way to the first of many color stations. As the participants ran past the color stations, they were pelted with dust of various colors. The color dust was a homemade concoction of corn starch and food dye developed by senior sports management major Johnny Braud, according to Summers.
“We developed our own formula for the paint,” said Summers. “It’s really easy. It’s corn starch and food dye so it’s something that is easy to come off.”
The way the participants approached the run varied from a fast pace to slow pace, but all runners could be heard laughing and joking as they found themselves covered in a palette of colors.
“I enjoyed being able to run with my friends and the paint experience,” said Claire Salinas, junior communications major. “It’s definitely a good addition to Homecoming week, and I think they should do it again.”
According to Summers, the color run was a success, and he hopes to bring it back next year.
“I didn’t think it was going to turn out this well, honestly,” said Summers. “You can tell it was a small little course because it was our first year. We hope next year to keep expanding it.”
While there were no official winners for the run, everyone was awarded the opportunity to go and freely throw color dust on their friends after it was over.
“Homecoming’s all about having fun,” said Summers.