The third annual Color Downtown Fun Run Race was held on Saturday, May 20 at 3:30 in Mocksville.

With more than 250 runners, and many more in attendance, the hot afternoon was full of entertainment and fun, all supporting the work of Davie Domestic Violence Services & Rape Crisis Center. The mission of the center is to end domestic violence and sexual assault in the community through empowerment, advocacy, education, awareness, and action for social change.

Made possible by presenting sponsors Vogler Koontz and Family Care Center of Mocksville, the afternoon started with a welcome message by Lorri Hayes, director of the agency, along with Assistant District Attorney Rob Taylor and District Court Judge Mary Paul. Pastor Daron Osborne of Friends Baptist Church in Clemmons opened the race with a prayer and singing of the national anthem.

Adi Tsemah, Zumba instructor at the Davie Family YMCA, kicked off the event with a fun warmup for all participants. Local Christian radio station WBFJ provided mobile entertainment and music for the entire afternoon.

Runners began the race in front of Mando Field in Rich Park, passing through six color stations before returning the start finish line. Each color station doused the runners with a different color powder including red, blue, purple, green, pink and orange, creating a rainbow of color covering participants by the time they reached the finish line and prepared for the final color explosions.

The color stations were operated by volunteers from local agencies: Educators Rising, The Dragonfly House, Girl Scout Troop 2579, The Davie County Health Department, Just Hope, Friends Baptist Youth and Cedar Grove Baptist Women.

Color Downtown capped off with two huge color explosions at the end of the race. Runners excitedly exploded color packets in the air as they gathered at the finish line.

“This exciting event was only possible because of the support of the many sponsors, volunteers, and runners who participated in the event,” Hayes said. “Funds raised will directly impact Davie County through the work of Davie Domestic Violence Services & Rape Crisis Center.”

To learn more about the agency, visit http://www.daviecountync.gov/92/Domestic-Violence-Rape-Crisis-Center.