A colorful dash at Chelsea Middle School

August 25, 2014 4:41 PM

Photos courtesy of Dawn Reeves.

The runner’s heart is pounding, but she sees the finish line in the distance. The crowd cheers her on as she gives the final stretch her all. She grabs the hands of the fellow racers as they run through the tape together. A burst of color erupts from the crowd and lands on her and her friends. She has finished the Blue White Color Dash at Chelsea Middle School.

The dash is returning for its second year at Chelsea Middle School. This year’s dash will include a mob-style 5K and a one-mile fun run/walk. There will also be food, live music and more.

The event is organized by the CMS Athletic Booster Club and acts as a fundraiser for its efforts. Unlike many 5Ks, CMS’s color dash is an untimed race.

“Our hope is anyone possessing a desire to embrace healthy living and surround themselves with a sense of community while supporting a great cause will do so without worry of a timing chip,” said Dawn Reeves, a member of the CMS Athletic Booster Club Board of Directors.

At the school, the Booster Club raises funds for athletic programs and equipment, but Reeves said that parents whose children are not involved in athletics should not be discouraged from joining or giving to the group. Students who do not play sports can also benefit from the group’s fundraising through improvements in physical education classes. Last year, the club was able to provide nearly $10,000 worth of money and equipment to the school’s athletics. Much of the fund raised came from the dash.

This year, the Booster Club looks forward to the excitement and success of the day.

“I love the hustle and bustle of a run day,” Reeves said. “It’s all the joy of your favorite holiday wrapped up into one morning.”

The run starts at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27. Individual 5K participation is $25 for students and $35 for adults. For teams of six or more, registration is $20 for students and $30 for adults. The one-mile fun run is $10 for students and $15 for adults. To register for the run, visit chmsathleticbooster.org.