NHS supports Community Pathways with 2nd annual color run

Starting with spotless white shirts, runners had a whole new color palette by the time they crossed the finish line.

National Honor Society students hosted their second annual charity color run Saturday morning, benefitting Community Pathways of Steele County.

As participants took laps around the Owatonna High School campus, volunteers waited at various stations, ready to shower runners with color.

“It goes for a great cause. I hope the community comes together and supports this and has a great time,” said senior Anna Cox, who planned the route.

Cox noted the favorable weather — sunny skies and a slight breeze — was perfect for a run, especially compared to the meteorological woes organizers faced last year.

The event included both a one mile kids’ run and a 5K, with participants going their own pace.

OHS teachers Jamie Gray, Lis Ng and Rhynda Dulas walked the route to support students, donning dinosaur costumes for added fun.

“We wanted to bring some laughter,” said Dulas.

Rick and Diane Danielson accompanied their second grade grandson, who promptly left them in the dust.

“Of course, he and his friend are long gone,” Diane laughed.

The Danielsons are avid recreational walkers, and also turned out to support Community Pathways. Rick was especially eager to get some color on him. Approaching the first color station, he spread his arms wide, not even closing his mouth as the powder enveloped him

“I embrace the color,” he said.

Once the final walkers wrapped up the mile, 5K participants — many of them NHS students — gathered at the starting line. After helping set up that morning, senior Jace Forcelle was eager to join the race.

“I feel like everybody is in a good spirit and I think this is a good opportunity at the end of the year to show what NHS has been doing,” he said.

Forcelle said the color run is one the events NHS is proudest of, noting Community Pathways was a worthy cause to support as one of the most prominent nonprofits in the area.

Watching the festivities, OHS Principal Kory Kath also felt a sense of pride.

“I’m always proud of our NHS. They’re really, really well organized. But more importantly, they’re really committed to making a difference for Community Pathways. In their second year of running this, they knew that they were going to be able to make it bigger and better, and they have so much pride that it’s on their campus, so it’s really fun to watch it and watch them engage with Community Pathways and make a difference,” said Kath.