ESTEVAN -- The Estevan Police Association's third annual Max-Fun Colour Run saw a substantial increase in participation this year, with 130 participants taking part in the event compared to last year's 70.
The walk/run, held at Woodlawn Regional Park on June 9, began and ended at the Fresh Air Fitness grounds and covered a distance of nearly five kilometres. A first aid vehicle accompanied participants along the route to ensure everyone's well-being.
"It's a non-timed race so that those that are timid can run and/or walk and see what it's like to be in these types of races. We wanted something that's smaller and something that the young kids could participate in too … This is just a relaxed event, get out, be active and maybe see if you like this type of thing, so you can start doing other races, like the Coal Country Run or Run the Course. They are big helpers with us. They have experience so they have given us a lot of guidance," said Sgt. Kevin Reed, president of the Estevan Police Association.
Before heading out, runners and walkers gathered at the Dana Quewezance Memorial Field at Woodlawn Athletic Park for a quick, fun warm-up session, which culminated in a vibrant first colour blast.
"We got a lot more people registered than we thought we were going to get. Last year we had 70, so we were hoping for 80 or 90, and we're at 130," Reed said.
The scenic route took participants to the dog park, through Woodlawn's trails, and back to Fresh Air Fitness. Along the way, volunteers at five colour stations sprayed the runners and walkers with dye, ensuring they were completely covered in colours by the time they crossed the finish line.
Reed highlighted the community involvement in the event, noting that members of the association and local volunteers played key roles in its organization and execution.
"We have good participation with the members, … but it takes quite a bit of organization and volunteers to man all the colour stations and to set things up, so EPA members will all be kept busy during the run," he said.
High school students fulfilling volunteer hour requirements also contributed to the event's success.
At the finish line, participants were greeted with cold water and a barbecue lunch.
Reed expressed optimism about the event's future, stating, "It'll just hopefully keep getting bigger and bigger."
Funds raised through the event last year were designated to several causes.
"The last few years we've done a couple of annual donations. For decades we've given a scholarship to high school graduates that are going into social justice. We sponsored youth curling last year, and we gave some to Osi-Can [Operational Stress Injury/Post Traumatic Stress Support Initiative] as well. And then of course we give little donations to charities like the Christmas Tree fund and those types of things," Reed said.
The association members have yet to decide on any new recipients of this year's funds.
Reed also thanked the sponsors that helped make the event possible by providing supplies and volunteers.
The EPS plans to continue this tradition, promoting health and community engagement while supporting local causes with the funds raised.
