Second event draws 100 runners

By Holly Neumann

Paul Ziemann covers Joe Jones with blue powder during the Color Burst Run in Iola.

The Iola-Scandinavia Community Fitness & Aquatic Center hosted the second annual Color Burst Run July 15 at the Iola Old Car Show grounds.

The event focused on family, fitness and fun.

“We have about 100 people running today,” said Kori Printz, who helps organize the event. “It gives families the opportunity to exercise together and have fun at the same time.”

Funds raised from the event help support equipment and other needs at the facility.

“It’s a great way to support the fitness center and helps to ensure that we have all the equipment we need there,” said Jennifer Schwirtz, who was running with her family. “It’s a fun event for people of all ages.”

Participants seemed to agree.

“This is fun,” said Emma Printz, 6. “I love having all the color thrown on you.”

“In the end, you have a tie-died shirt,” added Jenna Kurki, 7.

A team of co-workers from Sturm Foods in Manawa also participated.

“I have always been interested to see what a color run was all about,” Stacia Oberthaler said. “It is a great way to show our support of not only the ISCFAC, but also the employees at Sturm’s.”

“Last year was my very first time running a 5K,” Samantha Peterson said. “It was so much fun, I decided to come back. I like the camaraderie with my co-workers, family and friends and there is no pressure to win. Everyone runs at their own pace.”

Joe Jones and Jean Dix participated for the first time.

“I had a friend that ran last year and suggested that I give it a try,” Jones said. “He isn’t here, but I am and boy, was it a good time.”

Dix decided to give it a try with encouragement from her friends and fitness center employee Cheryl Ziemann.

“My friends are much younger than me and they suggested I used a walker and that is exactly what I did,” she said. “Cheryl told me I could do it and I am happy at the age of 78 that I can. It was a lot of fun. More people need to come out and give it a try.”