Harding University will host its own version of the “Color Run” called the “Highlighter Run” on March 23. The race is in conjunction with “Say Thanks Day,” a day set aside to thank donors for their contributions to the university.
Young Alumni Associate Jordan Smith came up with the idea for the Highlighter Run this summer when the Color Run gained popularity.
“We wanted to do something fun to highlight the donors who contribute to the university, and also give back to the student body,” Smith said.
Registration for the race will be held in front of the Ganus Athletic Center at 8:30 a.m. on March 23 and the race starts at 10 a.m. at the GAC. There will be paint stations at each mile marker to splatter participants with paint.
“I am most looking forward to being covered in paint with friends and highlighting what others have made possible for me through giving,” junior Julie Spears said.
Runners are asked to wear shorts and a white T-shirt for the event and are encouraged to wear sunglasses to keep paint out of their eyes.
At the beginning of the race, runners will receive a sticker decal to place on their shirts. When the decal is peeled off at the end of the race, the shirt will say “Say Thanks.”
“The Highlighter Run is a fun, interactive way to show that we are grateful for the investment of our awesome donors in our future,” sophomore Philip Habegger said. “They allow us to get a valuable education so that we may use it to better ourselves and enrich the lives of others.”
The Highlighter Run was chosen to be a fun way to give money back to the student body. The cost of the race is $15 for individuals and $10 per person for groups of 15 or more. Anyone can participate, and donors are invited to participate as well. All proceeds will go to the Harding Fund, the account set aside for student scholarships.
