Colorful clouds followed runners during the Dye Dash as they were doused with powdered paint.
The race, 1.6 miles in length, took place in North Oak Park on Wednesday, Oct. 15 and benefitted the Southeastern Foundation Sustainability Center.
“The funds should be placed in a foundation account,” said Byron Patterson of the Sustainability Center. “The students’ group involved in sustainable efforts should be a part of the advisory committee on how the funds can best be spent.”
SGA President Stephanie Travis wanted to benefit the student body directly through funding a student garden.
In previous years, they have contributed to charities off-campus, but this year they wanted to give to the students. They raised $800 for the foundation.
“I was in cross country in high school, and I’ve run in other races like warrior dash and the foam run,” said senior accounting major Adriana Beltram. “I’ve always wanted to try a color run, and I had a blast. It’s something I would definitely want to do again.”
This year the Dye Dash was hosted in place of last year’s Roomie’s Race, which was set up as an Amazing Race. Each team was given a set of obstacles around campus, and each cite had a clue which led somewhere else on campus.
“I used to run track in high school, and I have never done a color run, and I have always wanted to do one,” said freshman nursing major Lucie Caire. “I thought it was a great way to get involved on campus with Homecoming activities.”
The goal for most of the teams was to get points toward their group’s Homecoming competition. Only one runner from a group had to cross the finish line to place. First place was given three points, second was given two points and third place was given one point.
“The color run was a wonderful experience even though I had to run barefoot because I forgot my shoes,” said education major Irene Marino. “I’m really happy that I decided to run, and it will be a great memory.”