By Dylan Lewis

University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi’s Department of Campus Recreation will host the Color My College 5-K run April 1 as part of a full day of activities.

This year, the event runs day to night with the color run starting at 6:30 p.m., followed by the first-ever UV glow paint party after dark, said Amanda Alpert, assistant director of intramural sports and sport clubs for the Department of Campus Recreation.

“Each year, we try to add something new to attract new participants,” Alpert said. “We are excited to see how this new addition will enhance our event and hope everyone is as excited as we are.”

Color My College asks the Department of Campus Recreation each year to choose a nonprofit organization for the race to benefit.

“We have a very close partnership with Special Olympics,” Alpert said. “These partnerships not only provide opportunities for Special Olympic athletes, but also (for) Ole Miss students, so that is why we chose them.”

Special Olympics provides year-round sports training for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness and share those experiences with others around them.

Participants can sponsor a Special Olympic athlete this year for $20 and those funds go directly to Special Olympics.

The activities begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Grove with contests, giveaways and a Zumba pump-up exercise led by Elise Jones, a senior marketing major.

“Zumba is one of my passions, and I couldn’t be happier to lead the warmup,” Jones said. “I love seeing everyone’s smiling face before the run.”

All participants are required to register. The fee is $34.99 for individuals and $31.99 apiece for a team of four. Ole Miss students, with a valid student ID, can register for $29.99 or $26.99 each in a team of 4 through March 31.

Onsite registration will be $50 for every participant. For those interested in registering for just the paint party, registration is $15 through March 31 and $20 onsite.

“I love the color run because I love to run and it really brings the Oxford community together,” Jones said.