The annual Nathan Weiss Memorial Cougar Color 5K Walk & Run will take place on Saturday, October 16, 2016.
Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., and runners will take their place at 9:30 a.m. The course of the 5K spans across the main campus in Union, N.J. It will take two laps on the designated course for participants to finish.
There is no age restriction for people to join the race.
"We’ve had toddlers pushed by their mothers in strollers and kids walking with their parents. This is a family-friendly event for all," commented Dr. Jeffrey Beck, Dean of Nathan Weiss Graduate College.
While the race's youngest age bracket starts at 10-14 years old, all children and adults can participate in the costume competition.
The Nathan Weiss Graduate School is anticipating yet another successful turnout for the Color Run.
"We’ve had 300-420 [participants] each year for the last two years, and we usually have close to 100 volunteers working the registration, course loop, dancing and cheering," said Beck.
The level of success is not only measured by the amount of people present, but the money raised which is to be re-purposed as scholarships for graduate students.
"We’d love to see a great turn out because proceeds from the race go to student scholarships. The race/walk has funded 24 scholarships each year for the last two years, and we’re hoping for more this year," Beck commented. "The largest sponsor, the Nathan Weiss family, has endowed a scholarship as a result of the race."
The cost to run or walk in the Color Run varies. If a student wishes to complete the course alone, the price is $20. If a group of five people get together and create a team, each member is expected to pay $16, making the team total $80 (if registered before Monday, October 10, 2016). The cost for an alumni participating alone is $30, and $35 for individual faculty and staff.
Prior to the Color Run, those interested in signing up must register online at the Nathan Weiss website.
The fun will not end when the participants cross the finish line. The Cougar Color Festival will take place in the Vaughn Eames Lot after the run.
Runners, walkers and friends and family are invited to listen to music while visiting the multiple stations spread throughout the parking lot. There will be a photo booth, drinks, snacks, dunk tank, face painting and more, so don't miss out!
"Please show your Kean spirit and join as a runner or walker!" Beck encouraged.
