The 3rd Annual Run With Your Imagination 5K Color Run is scheduled for Saturday, April 29, 2023. This lively and thrilling event benefits Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a program that sends free books to children, regardless of their household income. By doing so, the program aims to help all children start kindergarten with the same vocabulary, shared experiences, and love of books. This year, Dr. Scott Sheppard, Superintendent of Huntsville ISD, will serve as the honorary color thrower, adding to the fun and excitement of the event.
The 5K Color Run, an untimed event, will start at 9:00 AM, with on-site registration beginning at 8:00 AM. Participants will kick off the race at the SHSU Garrett Teacher Education Building, right next to the library along Bobby Marks Dr. on SHSU campus. Throughout the race, participants can choose to be showered with colored powder at designated stations along the course. Participants can opt to avoid color stations if they prefer not to have color thrown on them.
The fun doesn’t end there – a bubble party equipped with music, dancing, and photo ops will continue at the finish line, with more massive color throws creating millions of vivid color combinations.
Proceeds from the event will help ship books provided by Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to every child in Huntsville and Walker County. The program’s aim is to increase the community’s literacy rate by providing books to children at their peak developmental level. Also, books help build connections among children by ensuring that they all have access to books. Imagine a child walking into a classroom, scared because they have no friends, but discovering a shared connection with another child through a book like “The Little Engine That Could” (the first book sent out by the program). This shared experience helps forge friendships and create a sense of community among children, regardless of their background.
Kaye Boehning, President of Tomorrow’s Promise Montessori Schools, emphasized the importance of the event: “This event helps us raise much-needed funds to pay for the mailing of these books.” She also highlighted the impact of early reading, saying, “50% of everything you know as an adult you have learned by the age of 4. This is why it’s so important to get books in the hands of every child.”
Join the community on April 29th for a colorful day of fun and celebration, all in support of a great cause that brings children together. Remember to wear the provided sunglasses for eye protection, protect your phone, take lots of photos, and most importantly, have lots of fun!
Paid registration includes a t-shirt and a goodie bag. To register for the run, visit http://www.runwithyourimagination.com.
