By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— The colorful run created by two Oak Mountain High School students three years ago, is returning for another round at Oak Mountain State Park this March.

This year’s Oak Mountain Color Run is scheduled for March 12 at 8 a.m. at the park. The funds raised this year will benefit Benefits UAB comprehensive cancer center, according to the student coordinator, Claire Kendrick.

“A group of us have really been affected by cancer,” she said. “We just found our way to make an impact. We all love to run so this was a great way to get the whole community together.”

The event started when Kendrick was a freshman at OMHS and seniors Mandy Kelley and Mollie Shealy decided they wanted to host a benefit run. It started at the school and grew into a large-scale event, which is why it’s held at the state park.

Last year, Kendrick said there were about 200 participants and they raised about $5,000. She said she hopes to double the amount of people there this year.

The morning begins with music and vendors, which stay throughout the entire event. Kendrick described the morning as relaxing for the participants before they take on the 5k.

As attendees race the trek, they’ll be greeted by all colors of powdered paint. Kendrick said each color represents a type of cancer, so it’s a fun way to remember why they are running.

“My favorite part is (that) we do have a lot of survivors come out,” she said. “It’s rewarding to see their joy and see them participate and get into it. Everybody is having so much fun and with the money, we are able to make an impact.”

After everyone finished up, Kendrick said there are Zumba and yoga instructors who teach classes, and people can enjoy fellowship together at Oak Mountain State Park.

Because the event is coordinated through the school’s SGA, Kendrick said a lot of the students get involved in the race.

“They really enjoy it,” Kendrick said. “It’s a lot of fun, and it’s a way we can all hang out outside of school. Everyone seems to enjoy it, being out in the community and making such an impact on cancer.”