Plans gear up for Oaklawn’s Color Run in downtown Marshall on June 10

MARSHALL — Runners, walkers and fitness fans from across Michigan are getting ready to come to town for an event that’s expected to gather more than a thousand people in downtown Marshall. 

The 2023 Color Classic 5k and Fun Run will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 10. The event, which has grown out of the longtime annual Oaklawn Hospitality Classic, will get under way as avid runners and walkers begin to gather near the Fountain Circle.

“We launched the new ‘color run’ theme last year and it turned out to be a big hit,” said Sara Jeffery, Oaklawn’s marketing manager. “Registrations are coming in fast and I believe runners and walkers of all ages — and our great volunteers — are getting as excited as ever.”

During the “color run,” Jeffery said, runners will be given white shirts and face-protecting gear. At multiple checkpoints, they will be doused by volunteers with powders of different colors — materials approved under the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and consisting of cornstarch, food dyes and baking soda. Runners can avoid the powder by running to one side of the course.

“It’s going to be a safe, fun and very colorful experience for all involved,” she said.

Information about this year’s event — including how to register — may be found online at oaklawnhospital.org/run or by calling (269) 789-8985.

The cost for adults to sign up for any race is $35, $20 for youths ages 6-18 and free for children 5 and younger, with strollers allowed. A $2.45 signup fee also applies. Those who wish to compete in multiple events may sign up for one and run them all.

Pre-registration and early packet pickup will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 9, in the lobby of Oaklawn Hospital at 200 N. Madison St. On the day of the race, registration and packet pickup will begin at 9 a.m. at Brooks Memorial Fountain.

The schedule calls for a 5k race to start at 10 a.m., with a corresponding 5k walk at the same time. Those will be followed by a one-mile “fun run” at 11 a.m. Those events will end in front of the Honolulu House, as in past years.

Racers will receive a race T-shirt, sunglasses, a neck gaiter, a participation medal and a pint glass from Grand River Brewery, which is offering special deals to race participants on the day of the event.

“To keep the fun going, Grand River plans a party at its restaurant on Michigan Avenue in Marshall, beginning at 11 a.m.,” Jeffery said. “They’re planning half-off appetizers and will serve any adult who displays his or her race bib their first beer for a dollar. Young people who participate also will be able to get free beverages in a commemorative cup.”

Students from regional elementary schools are expected to participate in the Youth Fitness Club, formerly known as the 100 Lap Club. The club is made possible with support from Eaton Corp. The schools expected to participate are Gordon, Hughes, Walters, MarLee, Harrington and Sonoma.

“We are pleased that we are able to offer free entry into the 1-Mile Fun run for all students K-5 who participate in the Youth Fitness Club,” Jeffery said. “Please check with your child’s gym teacher or school to see if they can participate.”

Eaton Corp. is the event’s title sponsor. Other supporters include Grand River Brewery, Kellogg Community Credit Union, Puckett Construction, BluFish Consulting, O’Leary Water Care, McDonald’s, Choose Marshall, Radio Communications, City of Marshall Police & Fire, Marshall Area Ambulance Authority and Boy Scouts of America.

“This event is an example of Oaklawn’s dedication to keeping the community healthy by encouraging individuals and families to foster healthy lifestyles,” Jeffery said. “By hosting the Color Classic, Oaklawn hopes to promote fun and fitness and enjoyment of running or walking for all ages.”

Jeffrey said Oaklawn’s volunteers also are looking forward to making this year’s race as memorable as it has been in past years.

“As usual, people will be coming together to help encourage people in our community to stay healthy and have fun doing it,” she said.

The 2022 Color Classic 5k & Fun Run brought nearly a thousand participants downtown in sunny and pleasant weather. During that event, Jack Bidwell and Brooke Waito, both of Marshall, were named the first-place male and female winners.

Participants last year ranged in age from 1 year old to 77. Most were from communities throughout Michigan, but other runners and walkers came from California, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio.

In past years, the Hospitality Classic’s 5k course record for males was set by Duane Daughtery in 1997, with a time of 14 minutes and 56. The 5k record for females was set by Jenny Goodpaster in 2000, with a time of 17 minutes and 19 seconds.