Was this your first Color Run?
No, my first Color Run was last year where I stood at the corner of the Cow Path encouraging runners as they entered the final stretch of the race.
How would you describe the experience of being a Senior advisor during the event?
A bit nervous about how all the components would come together. There was a great plan with the different stations along the route, the number of volunteers, but I like to have everything ready to go, so waiting for the pieces to fall into place was a bit nerve racking.
For you, what were the biggest strengths of this year’s Color Run? What are some things it could’ve done better?
1) The different stations along the route, I suspect they helped the runners know where to go, also 2) the water stations, as hydration is always an important health need and a welcome refreshment.
Done better? I wish I knew the electricity layout in the Eagle Center; having 4 griddles making pancakes was a great benefit, but we kept popping the breakers and thus losing power. I think I put in 5K just running back and forth between the cooking stations and the breaker box.
What was it like working with the students and other teachers and administration to bring the run to fruition?
Always exciting to see the students, the seniors, get excited about this event; without their energy and the support of their parents this event would not succeed. I greatly appreciated the administration’s flexibility with us as we attempted to find the right date for the run. I was very thankful for input from various teachers on safety concerns and encouraging words. And lastly, I praise the Lord that we had no injuries, individuals had a great time, and most importantly, that our local community was hopefully able to see a reflection of God’s power and love in the runners and volunteers.
What advice would you give future Seniors on organizing an event like this?
1) Set your date early!
2) Get out into the community early looking for sponsors.
3) Have water stations along the route.
4) Set up the pancake griddles on different breakers (even in another room if necessary, it is easy to shuttle pancakes to the serving line), also, make lots of chocolate chip pancakes 🙂
5) Arrive early the day of the race as set-up takes time, and allows you to make quick changes without delaying the start of the race.
6) Do it next year!
