Kids got to experience the colour in an 800 metre Free PLAY Fun Run before the Light Up Your Nation Colour Run August 19 at Saugeen First Nation.

Hub Staff

Over 160 runners in the Light Up Your Nation Colour Run donned running shoes, smiles and embraced the colour that surrounded them at various points in the race, all in the name of good fun and to help raise money for Southampton’s G.C. Huston Public School and its goal for an outdoor track and upgraded playground equipment.

The 5k race began in Saugeen First Nation at the Mino Bimadaasawin Health Centre and followed a route that took racers down Eckford Drive in Southampton over the future Bimaadzwin “Good Path” bridge, with the race finishing at G.C. Huston.

Dressed in bright colours, G.C. Huston Principal Dan Russell congratulated every child who took part in a 800 metre Free PLAY Fun Run that took place before the 5k. Russell thanked the crowd for their participation and support and thanked volunteers. “It’s never too early to start helping our children focus on personal physical fitness,” said Russell, who said that participants can expect lots of colour along the route.

Marilyn Roote delivered a prayer in both English and Ojibway and Saugeen First Nation Chief Lester Anoquot welcomed the enthusiastic crowd and said he had never seen the area so colourful. “I just want everyone to enjoy themselves, have fun and we really appreciate your participation here today, and with that have a good day,” he said. “Miigwech.”

Quinn Norton (left), Cade Norton, Ben Warwick, Lucy Nickel and Brenna Kirby completed the Light Up Your Nation 5k Colour Run August 19 that took racers from Saugeen First Nation to G.C. Huston Public School.

G.C. Huston Public School Principal Dan Russell and Saugeen First Nation Chief Lester Anoquot welcomed racers and thanked sponsors and volunteers ahead of the Light Up Your Nation Colour Run August 19.

Pat Williams (left), Jean Morrison and Bev White were already full of colour before the race got underway.

Christine John (blue) led an enthusiastic warm-up of squats, lunges and stretches before the race.

The halfway point saw racers get coloured blue by race volunteers along Southampton’s Eckford Drive.

Quebec’s Antoine Riviere gave a thumbs up before finishing the race in first place.

There was no shortage of volunteers who were more than happy to douse race participants in colour during the Light Up Your Nation Colour Run August 19.