ROCHELLE — For some students this past Saturday was the first time they completed a 5K and for others it may be the first time powdered color was sprayed on them while they completed the 3.1 miles.
Rochelle Middle School hosted a 5K color run to raise money for the PTO on Saturday, Sept. 23. Throughout the course, reds, blues and yellows were splashed on runners as they completed the 3.1 mile course on the bike path starting at RMS.
This is the second annual color run the school PTO hosted as a fundraiser.
“The run went really well despite the hot temperature,” stated PTO president Angie Seldal.
The first race was held in May 2016 but was postponed last spring due to another 5K fundraiser in town. Seldal explained due to the change in season a lot of local events conflicted with attendance, however many enjoyed the race.

While most of the participants were RMS students and their families, some community members participated in the fundraiser.
The school parent teacher group switched to the color run last year as a solution to eliminate students selling snack and gift items.
“We try to encourage physical fitness and this is a healthy activity for the entire family,” explained Angie Seldal. “And all proceeds go back to the school.”
For those who braved the heat to get blasted with color, they loved the race and had a great time.
Seldal explained as participants crossed the finish line feedback was getting to PTO and school volunteers from those who enjoyed their time and the colorful race.
“A highlight would be the end when the kids do a color toss and after you can see little kids laying in the color powder and making color angels,” explained Seldal.
“Another is seeing the youth celebrating completing a 5K, a distance they had not run before. Seeing kids accomplish the feat and get to do it for the first time was really neat.”
Due to conflicting events, Seldal explained the PTO is considering hosting the race in May or August of next year. Many students and RMS families expressed disappointment they would not participate in the 5K this year.
“I would like to thank everyone that participated and all of the volunteers,” stated Seldal.