5K comes with blast of red, blue, green

COEUR d'ALENE - Make no mistake, it's a 5 kilometer run.

It's still a race, in fact, and coming in under 20 minutes is an admirable pace.

None of that has changed.

But this year's Jordan Johnson Memorial Run will come with a blast of red, blue and green, incorporating a growing trend in the fun run world that coats its contestants in color.

"It's a messy, colorful event," said Ryan Davis, Boys & Girls Club of Kootenai County executive director. "We're really trying to create a family friendly event."

So what's the secret?

Cornstarch based powder, of course.

While the July 13 race is still a ways out, the club wants to get word on plans to host Kootenai County's first color-run. Runners should wear running shoes they don't mind turning a different hue. Same goes for the T-shirt. Goggles are allowed.

"Wear whatever you want to get dirty," Davis said. "White is definitely encouraged."

At least three stations will be set up along the course that will kick out clouds of color so at the end of the race runners look more tie-dye than tired. For those who don't want to get doused, yes, there will be ways around the color stations to make it more of a standard race.

It's not the only change to the memorial run - named, like the Boys & Girls Club, after Johnson, a former Post Falls High student athlete who died in 2006 at 15 due to a heart condition.

The annual race will kick off the Post Falls Festival parade at Seltice Way and Frederick Street.

The race used to be at the Greyhound Park and Event Center, and as the kick off to the parade, it's sure to give spectators that much more to watch, Davis said.

After the top runners finish, they can double-back and get on a float that will be reserved for them at the end of the parade.

Adults $30, kids 16 and under $15. Info: www.northidahobgc.org or call the Boys & Girls Club at 457-9089