Color Run Saturday, May 13 at ACE HARDWARE IN SALEM
WSLM RADIO and ACE HARDWARE are partnering to hold their 4th 5K color run on Saturday, May 13 benefiting Relay For Life and the fight against cancer.
The event began three years ago as a way for Becky White, President and CEO of Salem Media and Bob Strange, Owner of Ace Hardware of Salem, to honor both White’s mother, the late Charlotte Martin and Strange’s late wife, Carol Strange, both having died from cancer.
“Mom passed away on Valentine’s Day 1986 after fighting breast cancer for several years. She passed away on the day WSLM celebrates its birthday so every year that’s a bittersweet day for me,” said White.
Carol Strange passed away after her battle with cancer as well. “She was a big part of the business and our family as well as our store family. This is a great way to honor her,” Strange said.
“My mom was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a bone cancer, last spring and due to research and clinical trials whose funding is mainly dependent upon donations she is in maintenance and living to beat her cancer everyday” said Eva-Marie Roberts, Paint Manager at Ace Hardware of Salem.
“I am so happy to be able to give back in this way,” said Roberts. “Cancer affects so many of us.”
“What is more fun in the spring than to see lots of bold and exciting colors?” asked White. “You’ll get spread colored powder (which is 100 percent safe) on your clothing, hair and anything else you are running with, including each other.”
Roberts added: “Color Runs have become very popular over the last few years and are held regionally in Louisville, Cincinnati and Indianapolis. This annual color race brings the excitement right here to our community.”
The 3.1 mile (5k) walk/run will begin at Ace Hardware of Salem on Tarr Avenue, proceed south to West Market Street, then turn east towards Crown Hill Cemetery and back to Ace Hardware of Salem.
“We are working with Pacers and Racers to help provide technical expertise with our event to ensure that any of those who want to participate will be professionally managed and measured for accuracy,” White said.
New this year, because often during this time people have so many other activities going on, there will be a Virtual Race option.
“All you have to do is register for the race and download the course via this link via MapMyRun (http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/369809063) then walk/run the course anytime between May 1 and May 13,” said Roberts. “Then take a selfie and post it to WSLM Radio’s or ACE Hardware of Salem’s Facebook page with the hashtag #PAINTRACESALEM.”
The morning of the race, there will be a selfie station so all those participating on the day of the race can post their pictures, too. “Then everyone can be part of the fun,” said White.
“What a blessing that we have been able to work together as a community and have donated $2500 in total from the past races to Relay For Life’s Fight Against Cancer,” said White. “We look forward to seeing many from our community on May 13,”
“Even my mom will be there from Connecticut to participate with all of us this year,” said Roberts.
Pre-race and virtual race registration is now open at Ace Hardware of Salem, 1312 West Mulberry Street, Salem and at WSLM Radio, 1308 East Hackberry Street, Salem.
Registration is $20 until the day of the race and includes a t-shirt, water bottle and a bag of paint powder to get you started in the fun.
Children 10 and under are free with a paying/attending adult.
Race day registration is $25 and t-shirts can be purchased for $10.
Additional baggies of paint and other paint-throwing accessories will be available for purchase the day of the race.
Registration and arrival for the race is 7:30a at the east side of Ace Hardware of Salem.
The race begins at 8a.
