It’s Not Your Typical 5K: Color Me Rad at MetLife

by bfarulla | March 7, 2013 7:24 am

By BRIANNA FARULLA

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Things are going to get messy, yet colorful in New Jersey this summer. MetLife Stadium[2] will be hosting Color Me Rad[3] 5K on July 21.

Hoards of people are expected to meet at the starting line at 8 a.m. while decked out in their clean, white attire. However, by the end of the event participants will be a mixture of blue, green, pink, purple and yellow.

Color Me Rad is a 3.1 mile long run for people of all ages. At certain checkpoints everyone gets color bombs launched at them. No worries, they are not concocted with anything dangerous, just dyed corn starch.

Kenneth Paglio, 38, of Lyndhurst has already registered for the 5K. “I’m excited since I always like the opportunity to have a good time with friends and family,” said Paglio. “I’m a running fanatic so this will be a great way for me to get out there and have fun.”

People have the opportunity to either attend solo or create a team. Therefore, they can either be bombed, or bomb each other, it’s their choice.

Not only is it an awesome experience, but it benefits a great cause. How much better can it get?

A portion of the proceeds go to the Ronald McDonald House[4] of New Jersey. Since Oct.15, 1974 the charity has been providing[5] free housing to families who need to travel in order to get the best medical care for their injured or ill children.

“I love having the added benefit of donating to the Ronald McDonald House. A friend of mine actually got help from them once,” said Paglio. “Being a father, it makes me feel a lot better knowing that I’m giving to other parents who need the support.”

On a lighter note, getting to help the needy is not the only perk of registering for Color Me Rad. Members who are 8 years or older receive a free shirt, sunglasses, a race bib and gifts from various sponsors.

No Competitiveness Necessary 

Not in shape? Not a problem. The staff does not expect anybody to be an Olympic runner. Therefore, nobody will be in possession of a stopwatch since the event is not timed.

Those who are not so fit have the leisure of going at their own pace, even if that means walking or crawling. Others are free to race one another if that is what their heart desires.

Frances Forenza, a personal trainer at Club Metro in East Rutherford, has some advice in regards to preparation for the event. “Start out slow with a walk, then increase the speed of the walk, then jog. Each day strive to do a little more and set goals for each week,” said Forenza. “Completing a 5K is an overwhelming accomplishment. Afterwards participants should feel like nothing is unattainable.”

Volunteering[6] is also an option for whoever wants to participate in the madness although there is a minimum age of 16-years-old to do so.

Photographers will be on location and snapping pictures throughout the entire event. There are certainly some Kodak moments about to be made.

Color Me Rad is currently touring the world and selling out day by day. New Jerseyans still have time to acquire a ticket before it is too late. The price increases as the date approaches, but never exceeds $55. Get yours while you can!

So tie those laces and prepare for the messiest, yet most colorful run of your life.

Click here[7] to see the event in action!

Source URL: https://class1.ramaporecord.org/?p=12463

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