Sept. 7 deadline to register for STEPSCenla ‘Color Run’

By Raymond L. Daye
Runners will be have a lot of fun, but for a very serious cause, when they hit the streets of Marksville Sept. 19 for the 1st Annual STEPSCenla 5K Color Run. The event will raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s efforts to fight and, hopefully defeat, childhood cancer.
In addition to funds raised by the Color Run, many of the participating teams have conducted independent fundraisers for STEPSCenla’s programs in Avoyelles and surrounding parishes, organization co-founder Nikki Dauzat said.
STEPS stands for Striving to Ensure Pediatric Survival, and it works to assist families who have or are currently affected by a terminal or life-threatening illness to a “young hero,” Dauzat said.
Registration deadline for the event is Sept. 7. Approximately 1,000 runners are anticipated when the run begins Sept. 19. A team consists of four or more runners. A team registration is $40 per member. Registration for an individual running in the event is $45. Interested parties can register at steps-cenla.org or call Dauzat at 305-6859.
She said many people have said they are unable to run in the 5-kilometer (3-mile) event, but have made donations through the website.
“The run will consist of six ‘color stops,’” Dauzat said. “When the runners pass, helpers throw different colored powder on them. When they cross the finish line, they are a rainbow of color.”
The powder is a mixture of corn starch and coloring.
The color stations will also have water for runners.
The route will begin at the courthouse on Main Street in Marksville. It will go past Marksville High and Marksville Elementary, onto Cedar Lane and Tarleton and then back to Main Street.
“Color runs are intended to be fun and silly,” Dauzat said. “People will dress up in funny costumes. Runners will sometimes roll around in the powder to make sure they are covered in many colors. It’s a good time for a good cause.”