Eighty-two runners of all ages gathered at Ralph Seyller Memorial Park on Saturday morning for Hampshire Township Park District’s third annual Colour Me Lucky 5K race.
The sky was clear, while the temperature stayed in the 60 degree range that day.
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“We’re thankful that the weather cooperated,” said Laura Schraw, the park district’s executive director. “It’s much warmer this year than it was during last year’s race. This is a good kickoff to spring.”
Hampshire couple Mike and Meg Severa, with their daughter, Ariyah, 3, dressed up in St. Patrick’s Day attire as did their friends Justin and Mandy Lorenz, also of Hampshire.
Justin and Mandy pushed their children, Cash and Carter, in strollers during the race.
Stephanie Barone, the park district’s program supervisor, recalled that there was still snow on the ground during the first 5K race. Last year, the temperature hovered in the mid-50s.
Hampshire resident Steve Gray’s home is located across the street from Seyller Park. He said he enjoys watching the 5K race from his front yard along with other annual events such as the Early Times Street Rods “Suds and Fun” car show and the Memorial Day parade.
“I watch it all,” Gray said. “I have lived in Hampshire for 10 years. I raised my daughter here.”
As the runners ran or walked along the designated route, they could opt to be spritzed with colored powder that was thrown by volunteers. Barone said volunteers included members of the Hampshire High School National Honor Society and Boy Scouts.
Gilberts resident Susan Bolt was one of the volunteers. On that same morning, she said her husband, Glenn, was helping out at East Dundee’s annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Their daughter, Bridget, 16, was giving a performance of Irish dancing along with other girls at a senior center in Hanover Park.
Elgin resident Miguel Uriostegui, an eighth grade student at Abbott Middle School in Elgin, was the first runner to cross the finish line at the 5K race on Saturday. He said he also ran in the park district’s 5K race in October 2015.
Hampshire mom Lori Dreher pedaled a bike during the race while pulling her daughter, Andi, 6, in a cart. Lori and Andi, along with the bike and cart, were all decorated in St. Patrick’s Day colors. Lori said her other children, Dani, Gavin and Nick, also participated in the race.
Once the race was over, participants gathered by the park district’s tennis courts to hear songs played by Pirate Radio from Lake in the Hills. The band has performed at all three of the Colour Me Lucky races.
Runners 21 years and older were treated to a glass of green beer, while younger participants enjoyed green Gatorade.
The park district’s annual Easter Egg Hunt at Seyller Park is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 19. The free event is being sponsored by the Ella Johnson Memorial Public Library in Hampshire. The park district asks participants to pre-register by Wednesday, March 16. The Easter Bunny will be available to pose for pictures with the children.
Denise Moran is a freelance reporter.