BY AJ TRAGER
BTL file photo 2014: By Tony Lowe
DETROIT – World AIDS Day Detroit and Color Me Rad are teaming up to host "Color Me Rad Detroit," a spring color run to help raise funds for World AIDS Day 2016.
The fourth annual 5K fun run on May 7 will start at Milliken State Park in downtown Detroit and will travel along the Detroit River. The run offers an opportunity for World AIDS Day Detroit to reach the community and discuss the goals and current projects of the organization as well as the need for greater awareness about HIV in the LGBT community.
"This event is a fun run," World AIDS Day Detroit Executive Director, Maxwell Cameron, said. "It's designed to meet people where they are in their running ability."
Runners of all experiences are welcomed to participate in the run and should expect to see a wide variety of athletic skill the day of the event.
"It's designed for people who don't traditionally participate in other run events and want to do something active in Detroit," Cameron said.
One of the most exciting parts of participating in the color run is passing through clouds of color and coming out of the event with a memorable shirt that now resembles a tie-dye project. The gels of pink, yellow, green, blue and violet colors that will be used are all gluten free, nontoxic and machine washable.
"You may not want to come in a tuxedo. Unless you'e doing something really cool with that tuxedo," Cameron joked. "That's something to keep in mind. Dress comfortably — like you're participating in an athletic event — and don't dress in something that you're too tied to the current state." This year will be Cameron's first time participating in a color run.
Color Me Rad will also be handing out free T-shirts, a RAD temporary tattoo and a Goo Guard phone case for all regular participants.
Color Me Rad hosts color runs around the country and designates a nonprofit partner in every participating city. Color Me Rad works directly with runner recruitment and marketing.
WADD is currently seeking volunteers to help work the welcome desk and help with the general goings-on during the event. WADD has acquired about 100 volunteers but is looking to top their volunteer numbers around 130. Color Me Rad makes a donation for every shift covered by volunteers. For those interested in volunteering for the event, go to http://gaybe.am/rad.
Costs for attending are offered in a tiered system. Late registration tickets will be available until May 5 for $40. Last call tickets can be purchased for $50 the day before the event. Day of tickets will be available at the entrance for $55. Youth ages 7 and younger run free.
Visit the event website for more details at http://www.colormerad.com/location/detroit/.
