OAK HILL, W.Va. — Runners and walkers will be showered with colored powder as they cross part of the New River Gorge landscape Saturday during a 5K that raises money for addiction recovery efforts across Appalachia.
The Color Dash for Hope returns Aug. 29 to ACE Adventure Resort near Oak Hill, where participants will follow a 3.1-mile course through the resort property to an overlook of the New River Gorge.
The event benefits Hope in the Hills, a nonprofit organization that supports communities of recovery and healing in Appalachia through programs addressing opioid addiction, prevention, wellness, recovery housing and employment.
“Color Dash for Hope is one of those events that brings people together for a really important cause while also being a ton of fun,” said Chris Colin, special events coordinator at ACE Adventure Resort.
“You don’t have to be a serious runner to participate. We want families, kids, walkers and runners of every ability to come out, get covered in color and help support the work Hope in the Hills is doing throughout Appalachia.”
Color run leads to New River Gorge overlook
The first half of the 5K follows a relatively level gravel road through the ACE property to Concho Overlook, which overlooks the New River Gorge.
An aid station will be located at the overlook before participants return toward the finish on a relatively flat trail, according to the resort.
Along the route, runners and walkers pass through stations where organizers throw colored powder onto participants. Organizers encourage participants to begin the race wearing white clothing, which becomes increasingly covered with color as they progress through the course.
The event is open to runners and walkers of varying ability levels, according to ACE.
Check-in and late registration begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, with the 5K starting at 10 a.m. A post-race burrito buffet begins at 11 a.m., followed by an awards ceremony at noon.
Race supports recovery efforts across Appalachia
Proceeds from the Color Dash support Hope in the Hills and its efforts to connect and expand recovery communities in Appalachia, according to event organizers.
The organization raises money and awareness for programs that range from youth prevention and healthy lifestyles to recovery housing and programs intended to help people in recovery return to work.
Hope in the Hills also produces Healing Appalachia, a music-based fundraising initiative established in response to the opioid crisis in the Appalachian region.
ACE has previously reported that Hope in the Hills has raised more than $1 million through its events and initiatives supporting recovery-related organizations and community programs.
Hope in the Hills describes its mission as connecting and growing communities of recovery and healing throughout Appalachia. The nonprofit uses events, partnerships and community initiatives to raise money and awareness related to opioid addiction.
Its work supports youth prevention programs, healthy-lifestyle initiatives, recovery housing, and programs designed to help people in recovery return to the workforce. The organization says its events are intended not only to raise money but also to strengthen networks among people and communities involved in recovery.
The Color Dash is one of the events through which the organization raises support for those efforts.
Registration includes camping and post-race meal
Registration includes a finisher medal, a post-race burrito buffet, access to shower and changing facilities, parking, and free camping at ACE on Saturday night.
Prizes will also be awarded to top finishers. Advance registration costs $55, while same-day registration costs $65.
Participants using the free camping option do not need to make a campsite reservation in advance and may claim a site by checking in at the ACE Welcome Center beginning at 4 p.m. Saturday, according to the resort.
Additional information and registration are available through the Color Dash for Hope event page at ACE Adventure Resort.