Annual ColorFest Color Run to benefit Rise Above Violence Sept. 15

Posted

By Ashley Wilson

Special to The PREVIEW

As the balloons rise over the beautiful San Juan River, you will be running/walking your way around the town/river walk through five color stations.

Join our color station sponsors in support of Rise Above Violence. All proceeds from the color run are used to support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in our community.

Rise believes everyone has the right to live free from violence and works to end it in our homes and our community. Come support such an amazing and “colorful” cause at this year’s ColorFest 5K Color Run/Walk. Call 264-1129 for more information.

The event begins at 8 a.m. at Town Park on Saturday, Sept. 19. Registration opens at 7 a.m., but to guarantee your event T-shirt, we recommend you register early at https://2018pagosacolorrun.eventbrite.com. The route is mostly flat with all paved roads or sidewalks and very few slopes and small inclines. The event is open to all ages and abilities.

Come out for this family-friendly fun run. You can walk, skip, hop or roll your way to the finish line. This un-timed, noncompetitive event is for everyone. From young to the young at heart, you’re going to love it. Add some color to your life and come out for a colorful good time.

Don’t forget to wear white. The more white you wear, the more we can color you. White shirts, tutus, headbands, bandannas, whatever. And, remember, after you’ve been colored, plan to attend the bands and brews event (tickets sold separately) to hear live music and for plenty of brews to tantalize your thirsty after-run taste buds. There will be fantastic food and family activities for all, too.

Rise is the only nonprofit in Archuleta County providing crisis and advocacy services for victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

In 2017, Rise served 371 victims and survivors and answered 409 hotline calls. That is not all. Rise also has a youth violence prevention program. Students in the fifth through 12th grade received classes, presentations and participated in events that discuss bullying prevention, Internet safety and healthy relationships. Rise makes contact with over 800 students each year. Events like the Color Run, the upcoming Art Above Violence show/auction on Sept. 29, the annual push-up challenge every April and the Pagosa Duathlon every July provide additional funds needed to support these important programs.

Rise operates through the generous support of our community, both through donations as well as volunteers giving their time to answer the hotline or help plan events. If you are interested in helping Rise, call 264-1129 and talk to Ashley. Check out the website at http://riseaboveviolence.org.