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20th FSS holds Shut Up and Color Run

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tabatha Zarrella
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  What started off as a crowd dressed in white, ended in a color explosion when the 20th Force Support Squadron held Shaw's first Shut Up and Color Run 5K here, Oct. 5.

"We had about 300 people register for the run," said Staff Sgt. Jamie Darif, 20th FSS fitness NCO in charge, and organizer of the Shut Up and Color Run. "Including volunteers, participants and spectators, the total attendance was about 500."

The run was open to participants of all ages and anyone with base access.

"Children under 10 years old were free," said Darif. "The initial registration fee for ages 10 and up was $25, which went up to $35 after 20 days, and the last two days before the event was $40. The first 100 registrants received a free Shut Up and Color Run t-shirt."

"The Shut Up and Color Run consisted of a five km run or walk in which five different color stations were placed throughout the course," said Darif. "At each station our volunteers threw water at participants and then threw different colors of corn starch (which is non-toxic, environment safe and approved through our Wing safety office). After the run, we had a bouncy castle for children, each participant received a ticket for food from the Carolina Skies Club, and there was a disc jockey playing music."

The main purpose of the Shut Up and Color Run was to raise the morale of the base and the community.

"Overall, the run was very invigorating!" said Staff Sgt. Jacob Sevdy, U.S. Air Forces Central network operations security center operations crew chief. "My favorite part was the coloring; it gave me motivation to continue to the next color station."

The 20th FSS plans on having the Shut Up and Color Run as an annual event.

"For our first color run event the turnout was awesome!" said Darif. "My favorite part was the color cloud after the run. We hope to have it annually and have the participation double."