TEXARKANA, Ark. - More than 200 racers thundered through clouds of color at the sound of the starter, kicking off the CASA Colorful 5K on Saturday morning.
In its seventh year, the Court Appointed Special Advocates fundraising run took place on the grounds of Trinity Baptist Church. The course took the runners through a wooded grove where stations of color throwers released bags of colored powder on runners as they passed.
"We were a bit concerned because of the weather of the previous night, but rain or shine, we were going to run," said Emily Green, CASA-Texarkana development director. "Only lightning could have canceled us."
The course was wet and muddy in places, but that did not slow down the runners. Some even enjoyed the added challenge.
"I thank all of our runners, our sponsors," said Green. "Our work can be dark and heavy, but a sunny, fun day like this reminds us of hope."
John Crisp of Texarkana, Texas, was the first to cross the finish line. Finishing the 5K course in 25 minutes, he improved on his previous 28-minute run time. Crisp, a CASA board member, saw it all as time well spent.
"It is great fun, a privilege to do this," he said. "The guys and girls of CASA do unbelievable work."
Braelin Schilling, 13, came in second place, while Randy Roeser came in third.