A colour explosion following G.C. Huston Public School’s 2016 Color Dash August 13.

Hub Staff

The Light Up Your Nation Colour Run organized by Saugeen First Nation and G.C. Huston Public School is set to take place August 19, where race participants will run through a spectrum of colours all to benefit playground improvements at the Southampton school.

Participants can choose between a Kids PLAY 800m Free Fun Run or a 5k Walk/Run for a cost of $25 and they’re asked to wear white to show off their colour.

During a delegation to Saugeen Shores Council at the July 24 Committee of Whole, G.C. Huston Public School’s Enid Johnston outlined a race that will begin at the Mino Bimaadsawin Health Centre in Saugeen First Nation and end at G.C. Huston Public School in Southampton.

Johnston recalled last summer's Color Dash, part of the 2016 Southampton Shindig event, and said it was well attended and “a huge success.”

“I think we had well over 500 people participate in the run,” said Johnston to Saugeen Shores councillors, explaining that this year’s event is a collaboration of the previous G.C. Huston event as well as the Light Up Your Nation run that took place in Saugeen First Nation in 2015.

Johnston said organizers have contacted Ontario Provincial Police about assistance with road closures as well as the Saugeen First Nation Fire Department to help wash the bio-friendly colour off the roadways following the race.

Director of Community Services Jayne Jagelewski told councillors that the Town of Saugeen Shores has already been working with organizers and said there has been highlighted areas of Highway 21 that will require signage and a possible police presence to ensure the safety of the participants.

Road closures for the run between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. include:

Eckford Avenue, Blanchfield Road and Shore Road from Cameron Drive to South Rankin Street

South Rankin Street from Shore Road to Highway 21

Clarendon Street from the east side of Highway 21 to Breadalbane Street North

For more information visit raceroster.com/events/2017/12750/light-up-your-nation-run

The August 19 Light Up Your Nation Colour Run map.