Rainbow Run Registration Open, Sponsorship Spots Still Available

Rainbow Run Registration Open, Sponsorship Spots Still Available
(Crystal A. Proxmire, April 8, 2014)
Planning for the Rainbow Run is off to a great start as the Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce works to secure sponsorships and sign up runner for the beautifully messy, diversity-celebrating run on May 31 to help usher in Ferndale Pride.
There are two distances of running/walking to choose  from: 5k or 2k.  The run weaves through the neighborhood around Downtown Ferndale, with paint stations throwing corn starch based powdered paint on participants as they pass.
“We are looking to grow the event again,” said Chamber Director Jennifer Roosenberg.  “We sold out the first year at 500 runners and sold out the second year at 1000 runners. This year we are going to increase it to 1250 runners and expect to sell out again. We already have over 350 people registered which is great since most people like to wait until the last month to register. We sold out a few days ahead of the event both years so people who wanted to register the day of the event ended up missing out. We recommend registering at least a couple weeks in advance so that we can guarantee their t-shirt size, and they can get in before it sells out.”
The run is less expensive than other commercially-driven color runs, points out Ryan Meray, a Board Member of the Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce. “So many of these other runs are put on by national groups, and they have little to no giveback within the local community. The Ferndale Area Chamber is a local group that supports local businesses and the community, and this run is one of the great ways we do that. Last year, we donated over $6,000 to our three charity partners, who we’ll be supporting this year as well.” The Rainbow Run’s charity partners are Affirmations, The Ferndale Community Foundation, and Upstander.
Sponsorships are still available, including a clean-up station sponsor, a diversity sponsor and a second water station sponsor. Sponsors thus far are:
Presenting – Garden Fresh Gourmet
Diversity – Blue Care Network
Red Paint – Painting With A Twist
Orange Paint – Waterwork Plumbing
Yellow Paint – Chase Bank
Green Paint – Gage Products
Blue Paint – Blue Care Network
Purple Paint – Stay & Play Social Club
Virtual Race Bag – Credit Union ONE
Photo Station – RE/MAX Vision
Water Station – Blue Care Network
Balloon Launch Sponsor – Blumz…by JRDesigns
Supporters – Kaye Financial; Team Vision of RE/MAX Vision; Ferndale Public Schools, Shriners Silver Garden Events Center
“The most fun aspect of the Rainbow Run is the diversity of the participants. Having both a 2k and 5k route and a run and walk allows persons of many different ages and fitness levels. Right now our youngest registrant is four and our oldest is 78. We also have several people signed up who have never participated in a Run. The Rainbow Run is not timed and not competitive so persons not used to running in races find it less intimidating,” Roosenberg said. The run attracts visitors from throughout Michigan and beyond, and participants can be seen walking around the Ferndale Pride event long into the evening hours.
The Run also needs over 100 volunteers throughout the week and the day of the Run. Many volunteers are supplied by the paint station sponsors to help throw the paint, but the rest come from the community. “We truly appreciate all the support we get,” Roosenberg said.
Sponsorship information, registration and volunteer information is available at http://www.rainbow-run.com or call the Ferndale Area Chamber at (248) 542-2160.
 

Save this post to PDFPrint this post