The Office of Experiential Learning at New Mexico State University hosted a 5K Color Fun Run to promote community engagement by NMSU students and the greater Las Cruces community. The event, held Sept. 9, was an opportunity for runners to get splashed with color powder while helping support the annual Tents to Rents Campaign. The event raised more than $4,400 to support Camp Hope.
“We are grateful to NMSU, the Office of Experiential Learning, and the participants who made the 5K Color Fun Run an overwhelming success,” said Nicole Martinez, Mesilla Valley Community Hope executive director. “The proceeds will support the Tents to Rents campaign, which raises funds to operate Camp Hope and keep people experiencing homelessness safe and close to services and access to housing.”
NMSU Senior Program Specialist Alice Delgado and OEL Director Trish Leyba led the effort to organize the first-ever color run. The pair mobilized 47 volunteers, 36 who are NMSU students, for race day, including students from the Pre-Dental Society, American Institute of Chemical Engineers and the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, as well as members of the Las Cruces community and OEL staff.
All of the costs of staging the run were supported by community sponsors and vendors, including OEL, NMSU Foundation, Gym Magic, Little Steps Pediatrics, Adams Radio and Pathology Consultants of New Mexico. The event had 230 runners participate.
“Runners told me they’ve always wanted to do a 5K Color Run, that NMSU was the best location for 5Ks, and to count them in for the next one,” Delgado said.
“The Office of Experiential Learning Community Engagement and Outreach really appreciates what the Community of Hope is doing for those in our community who need help,” Leyba said. “We are thankful to all community partners who allowed us to market the event in their establishments, which contributed to its success, specifically Crunch Fitness, Sports Accessories, and Stay Fit Fitness.”
Leyba added the race was a resounding success, may become an annual event, and showed the benefit of joint efforts between students, the campus and the community.
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CUTLINE: New Mexico State University hosted a 5K Color Fun Run to support the annual Tents to Rents Campaign. The event raised more than $4,400 to support Camp Hope. (Courtesy photo)