The International 5K is back for a second year – and this time it has a colorful, cultural twist.
The Office of International Programs, International Enrollment Center and the Indian Students Association have joined forces to put on the International 5K Color Run on Saturday, March 23.
The untimed fun run/walk will begin at 10 a.m. outside of Laurel Hall – and yes, it will get colorful.
Hindu festival of Holi
The timing of the race coincides with the Hindu festival of Holi – a celebration of color, love and spring. Typical Holi celebrations include bright color powder — lots and lots of color powder — and this event will be no different.
Participants can expect to have color powder (typically corn starch/baking soda mixed with dyes) raining down on them at the start line, at one checkpoint midway through the course and at the finish line, making for a unique atmosphere and experience.
Vaishnavi Sonarikar, president of the Indian Students Association, said she is excited about adding the 5K to the bevy of cultural events that the group already puts together throughout the year.
“The Indian Students Association has been a true champion of DEI for the CSU and Fort Collins communities, and we live by the ancient Indian motto of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ which means ‘The world is one family,’” Sonarikar said. “With multiple events like Holi celebration, Diwali celebration and fall and spring welcome events, we make everyone aware and associated with rich Indian culture.
“Through this color run, we’d like to see the unique amalgamation of fitness and fun, inspired by the ancient ritual of celebrating the importance of various colors on the onset of spring.”
Last year, the International 5K Run for Relief fundraiser was initially delayed by snow but ended up bringing more than 125 participants to campus to run and walk for a good cause.
Scholarship fundraiser
The idea stemmed from IEC Director Stene Verhulst as a unique way to bring together the community while also raising funds to provide scholarship support to aid future international students in need on their journey to study at CSU.
“We are always looking for ways to celebrate our diversity, and the 5k has been a unique platform to tie together campus partners with my love for running,” Verhulst said. “This year’s event showcases the Indian students in our campus community and all the faculty, staff and community members that have poured so much of their time and energy into building bridges between CSU and India.”
Registration for the event is still open and costs $25 for community members, staff and faculty. Current CSU students and kids under 12 can register for a discounted price of $10. All participants will receive a T-shirt, race-friendly snacks and beverages, and, of course, color. The run/walk will follow the traditional Homecoming 5K route, which starts on The Oval and meanders throughout campus.
More information and links to register can be found at international.colostate.edu/iec/5k-run
