Ole Miss Campus Recreation has partnered with Color My College to host a 5K run beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Grove. The race will consist of participants running through red and blue colored powder, a nod at the university’s school colors.
It will be the first time Color My College has come to Ole Miss.
“We reach out to various schools over the course of the year seeking interest,” said Tonya Shuler, event director at Color My College. “Typically, if we have the support of the university, we make every attempt to get there.”
Amanda Alpert, coordinator of intramural sports and Sport Clubs for Campus Recreation, has worked closely with Color My College for the event.
“There are many things that go on behind the scenes leading up to the event that require someone on site to handle, and that is where we came into play,” Alpert said.
Color My College works with the university to pick a beneficiary for each of their events. Campus Recreation has chosen Special Olympics Mississippi.
“I would like to keep getting Ole Miss Campus Recreation involved with Special Olympic events, so when we were asked to select an organization to benefit, it was a no-brainer to me,” Alpert said.
A portion of each registration and 100 percent of the sponsorship funds received will be donated to Special Olympics Mississippi. Individual registrants also have the option of making their own donations during the registration process.
Over 500 participants had registered, as of Thursday. Registration isn’t restricted to university students, but many will be participating.
“I’ve never done a color run before, but from what I’ve seen they look like so much fun,” freshman Laura McCoy said. “I’m excited to enjoy an eventful morning running with my friends while being covered in my favorite school colors. I might also be anticipating an Instagram-worthy photo or two.”
Other students are running as a part of goals they have set.
“This semester, my physical goal was to run a 5k in its entirety. I figured the Color My College run would be a fun way to achieve that,” freshman Kennedy Shock said. “I’m excited to see if I can beat my old 5k time.”
The event course begins and ends right next to the grove on University Avenue. There will be post-race festivities, including a Party Pit for the runners.
The spirit squads and Rebel the Black Bear will be in attendance, as well as Miss Mississippi USA and Miss Mississippi Teen USA. Representatives from the local Special Olympics and Rebel Radio will be providing music.
“I feel the university will benefit simply because it is bringing the campus community together to celebrate school pride and spirit,” Alpert said.
Several businesses in Oxford have chosen to sponsor the event, including Taco Bell, Ole Miss Athletics Foundation, Proud Larry’s, The Inn at Ole Miss, Newk’s, Oxford Grillehouse, Library Bar & Grill, Chaney’s Pharmacy, Oxford Banking Association and Skinny’s Nutrition Studio.
“The university and community as a whole have been so wonderful in helping to support this event and the Special Olympics Mississippi. Southern hospitality is a real thing,” Shuler said.
The event is $30 for students with Ole Miss IDs, $35 for non-students and $120 for a team of four. Children under seven are free for preregistration. Prices move up to $35 for students, $40 for others, and $140 for teams of four on the day of the race. Registration can be completed online at www.colormycollege.com.
