Color Me United 5K A Success

Participants celebrate after Saturday’s Color Me United 5K.

by Charlie Comfort

Oskaloosa, Iowa- Rain did not deter the large group of Oskaloosa residents who came out to support the United Way’s second annual Color Me United 5K. Despite cold and rainy conditions, United Way Executive Director Amy Meyer noted that the run was largely a success this year.

“We can’t seem to catch a break about the weather,” Meyer joked, noting that in years past, cold and rainy conditions had been part of the run. “People still came out and seem to be having a good time,” Meyer said. “I think people enjoyed it,” she added.

This was the eighth year in a row that the United Way held a 5K event of some sort. Meyer noted that the event started at a time when there were very few 5K events in Oskaloosa. As more and more 5K events began to pop up in Oskaloosa, the United Way opted to transition into a different type of event.

“We kind of wanted to wait and do something special. Our community engagement director came up with the color run idea; they’re really popular, and so I think it’s been fun,” Meyer said.

As part of the color run, the YMCA held their annual Healthy Kids Day. Mahaska County YMCA membership and engagement director Katie Green stated that community support for Healthy Kids Day was good.

“I would say there was a good turnout today, the parking lot was full,” Green said.

Green said that 18 community organizations, including public health, the summer lunch program, and the ISU extension office were part of Healthy Kids Day. Organizations distributed material and giveaways for area children and parents. In addition, Green said that several athletic teams from William Penn University held punt, kick, and pass activities. Inflatables were also available for participants.

As for the Color Run, Meyer noted that the run was not a fundraiser in itself for the United Way.

“That’s never really been our focus, because we spend a lot of what we make on the fun activities,” she said.

For any excess funds left over after the event, Meyer said that the money will be donated to the Iowa Reading Corps, which helps to provide two full-time Americorps volunteers at Oskaloosa Elementary School.

Additional reporting by Staff

Posted by on Apr 30 2017. Filed under Local News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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