A first-of-a-kind event that took place last year in Bridgeport is returning for a second year, according to a member of the Johnson Elementary School PTA. Marjorie Toohey said numbers are up for the 2nd Annual Johnson Color Jam 5K will take place at the Bridgeport Recreation Complex this weekend.

 

On Saturday, starting that morning, the event will take place. As of noon Wednesday, 149 individuals had registered for the event, which would surpass last year's number of participants.

 

"We hope to hit 200 participants this year," said Toohey.

 

And like last year, this isn’t about the best time or establishing personal bests – which is okay for those who are competitive. According to Toohey, the goals are the same as last year.

 

“The primary purpose of this event is that it benefits the Johnson Elementary PTA and the funds that are raised allocated to buy supplies and put on different activities for students and also, hopefully, to allow us to have funds to set aside for possible needs at the new Johnson Elementary,” said Toohey, a PTA parent volunteer. “The other primary goal is for everyone to have fun.”

 

Unlike nearly every other 5K, this event isn’t timed. Individuals can go as fast and as slow as they want. The one common denominator is that everyone racing will be doused in color. Multiple stations will be set up along the course at the Rec Complex. As participants go past, they will be doused with various colored corn starch that results in a human canvas of artwork.

Last year’s inaugural event drew roughly 125 people.

 

“We hope to get as many out as possible and we’re stressing this is a family event and it’s an event that’s not just for those associated with Johnson Elementary or Bridgeport for that matter,” said Toohey. “We’re pretty sure this is the only color run in the area.”

 

Pre-registration ended Thursday. For those who don’t pre-register, registration for the race is between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. The actual race begins at 9 a.m.

 

Businesses can also get involved. Toohey said they’re looking for local businesses to sponsor the color stations. The businesses can be involved with having their employees throw out the colored corn starch on runners or they can utilize volunteers that are coming from Bridgeport High School to assist.

 

Spectators can also assist. They can purchase bags of colored corn starch to douse the runners as part of the three-lap course that is relatively flat.

 

“For anyone that is worried about getting anything in their eyes, we’ll have bandanas and glasses to use. We’re also going to have additional activities such as face painting, sidewalk art and games taking place for those not participating,” said Toohey. “In fact, if you get done early or even late you can stick around and take part in those activities.”

 

Individuals can also purchase a color cannon at the event. The color cannons can be used one time and shoots the powder up in the air.

 

The cost of registration is $25 for adults 12 years and older, $15 for students 4 -11 years old and free for children 3 and under.  

 

Children will also have an additional treat. The Johnson Elementary School mascot - the Eagle - will be on hand along with the Tiger from the Miley Legal Group and the Chic-Fil-A Cow mascot.

 

Click HERE to go the event’s Facebook Page, where additional details are available.

 

Editor's Note: Photos from last year's race by www.benqueenphotography.com.