Perfect weather greeted the 866 participants who turned out for the inaugural Community Kolor Run for United Way in Merrill Saturday.
Sponsored and organized by Riverside Athletic Club, the Kolor Run took the place of the former Run United. A timed race, Run United never topped 300 participants. By going from the timed race to a color run/walk, the United Way fund raiser gained broader appeal and was transformed into more of a fun community event, noted Riverside Athletic Club owner Paul Kientiz.
Initially, Kienitz set his expectations at slightly above Run United levels and ordered enough colored powder for 350 participants. By the time registration closed in April, Riverside had more than doubled its color order.
Runners and walkers came from all over the state and beyond to take part in the Merrill event. Kienitz estimates that roughly two-thirds of the participants came from outside a 25-mile radius of Merrill. The event drew a wide range of ages, from families with small children in strollers to older adults.
The 3.3-mile route utilized Riverside Avenue and the new River Bend Trail.
“We were able to highlight what is in my opinion going to be one of Merrill’s biggest gems in the River Bend Trail,” Kienitz said.
The event went off without a hitch. Runners and walkers picked up some fresh color on their shirts through the seven color checkpoints, manned by volunteers from local business sponsors. In all, 94 volunteers worked Saturday.
“It really blessed by heart to see how the community really came together and supported the United Way,” said Riverside Athletic Club Manager Becci Shuman, who spearheaded the event.
The grand finale of the event was a mass tossing of color in front of the athletic club.
“I heard no negative feedback,” said Shuman. “In comment after comment, they said they can’t wait till next year.”
And, the Community Kolor Run will return. Plans are already underway for next year. Kienitz said he’d like to hit 1,000 participants next year, and he’ll be ordering the color in bulk.
Run United has generated a nice chunk of revenue for Merrill Area United Way over the past years. Kienitz is confident that this year’s donation will be more than double what was raised last year.
Kienitz added that many of this year’s sponsors have already asked to be involved next year. He also thanked the Merrill Police Department and Merrill Fire Department for their help with the event.