Sweaty, colorful students ran through the final finish line during the 5K Color Run event, sponsored by the Student Recreational Center on April 27.
The Student REC celebrated its 8th annual with the theme of color run to encourage interaction amongst 5K walk/run participants and volunteers. The 5K Color Run was less about competition, and focused on promoting exercise and a healthy lifestyle throughout the Kingsville community.
“A lot of this is community involvement, not just here in TAMUJK but getting Kingsville involved as well. It’s important for the community to see there is more than just collegiate and academia, we also do events like this to keep students fun and engaged,” said Tiphanie Contreras, evening program supervisor.
The event had one of the biggest turnouts this year with people of different ages participating. The event consisted of two separate categories, participants were able to participate in a 1K or the 5K
As participants ran through the assigned route, volunteers holding posters showing the direction of the path were able to throw colorful paint on the runners.
Runners were also given packs of paint to throw at each other during the race.
“[It’s] not just for the students, but an opportunity for the community to get started and involved in TAMUK in a non-traditional way…I’m looking forward to seeing people having fun, people having a good time,” said Juan Carlos Diaz, assistant director of competitive sports.
“The event concluded with a raffle and a colorful paint war.
Both Kingsville residents and students were able to enjoy a color-infused morning while choosing to be live a healthier life-style.
“It’s important for students to stay active, get people moving. This event is a good time to hang out with friends. This is probably the ugliest feeling in the world, to be covered in paint and sweat, but it’s all worth it to do it with friends,” said Jose Palacios, civil engineering major.