7,000 plus participated in the ‘Happiest 5K on the Planet’

Final tallies are still forthcoming, but it’s estimated that close to 10,000 people enjoyed the beautiful fall day at UW-Green Bay, Sunday, September 29, as part of The Color Run festivities. More than 7,000 runners and walkers sprinted and strolled through the 3.1 miles course that highlighted UW-Green Bay’s interior — past Studio Arts, Residence Life, Kress Center, Mary Ann Cofrin Hall, Cofrin Library, Lab Sciences, Wood Hall and the Weidner Center. Each “wing” of campus had a color station with volunteers sprinkling the colored food-grade cornstarch on each participant.

Program Coordinator for Student Life Grant Winslow said there were more than 250 student volunteers (student groups could earn $ for their organization by volunteering their time). There was even a volunteer group from Milwaukee that bused to the event to earn money for its club. In addition, Good Times Programming, which helped with the logistics of the event including the solicitation of volunteers, set-up and logistics, was the major non-profit partner, earning enough to offer scholarships to students next year. Details are to be worked out, but Winslow hopes the criteria will allow students who invest in the life of the campus receive top consideration. Off-campus volunteers included the Green Bay West Pep Band and the Ashwaubenon Cheer Team. See the photos to share in the fun.

UW-Green Bay alumna Kari Polczynski Dawson, ’01, Communication, The Color Run race director, approached UW-Green Bay about bringing the race to her alma mater. Steve Zywicki, UWGB’s coordinator of events and reservation services, Stephanie Kaponya, program coordinator for Student Life and UW-Green Bay Public Safety and Police staff all played major roles in the creating a dynamic event.

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– Photos by Sue Bodilly, director of marketing, Office of Marketing and University Communication