Sam Houston State University’s Recreational Sports Center is partnering with the university to host its inaugural Color ‘Em Kats 5K this Saturday.
The 5K comes as a result of a proposition for a graduate student assignment from recreational sports fitness graduate assistant Jayna Evans. She collaborated with the RSC to promote healthy lifestyles through a fun run.
“It started as a project proposal with the director at the Recreational Sports Facility,” Evans said. “I decided upon a color run because I am a group fitness instructor as well as a personal trainer and I have a love for making exercise and health fun.”
Evans said in addition to providing an exercise outlet to the community, the endeavor will also grant her real-world experience beneficial for the future.
“I have been preparing this race since this past October,” Evans said. “The Color ‘Em Kats 5K idea started because my supervisor [wanted] me to do a graduate assistant project to boost my resume and this is the idea I came up with.”
Dubbed the “happiest run at SHSU,” the race is designed to be enjoyable to all who participate. Even those without previous running experience are encouraged to join in on the activity.
“For people who are not runners, this race is considered a fun run and will not be timed,” Evans said. “It is for the love of health, fitness and staying motivated to keep a healthy lifestyle. Anyone in the community can participate in the Color ‘Em Kats 5k run.”
Participants who paid their entry fee before March 7 are encouraged to pick up their race day packet at the RSC room 162 on Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. or on race day at 9 a.m.
“The participants receive a race packet with a bib number and a t-shirt,” Evans said. “As they cross the finish line, they will receive a color packet to throw.”
According to Melissa Fadler, associate director of recreational sports, the now sold-out run has a total cap of 250 registered runners.
With color packets expected to amp up the fun factor, Fadler encourages runners to wear clothing they are most relaxed in but will be provided a shirt for the race.
“The runners can wear what their most comfortable running attire would be, and know that we will distribute their white ‘color run’ t-shirt to be worn during the race,” Fadler said. “After all, dousing your white shirt with color is most of the fun.”
With white t-shirts and color packets present, many people may think this run is in association with ‘The Color Run.’ Evans said this run is not affiliated in any way with their brand that also puts on 5k runs nation-wide.
The course’s will start at the RSC and will take runners through a three loop hill-friendly fun run around the SHSU campus.
The Color ‘Em Kats 5k run is scheduled to begin Saturday at 10 a.m.
