Color Me Chi O participants jog through the pink station of the 5k run. The event served as a fundraiser for Chi Omega’s Make-A-Wish Foundation philanthropy. Photo by Lilly Rowland.

Nov. 8 saw Montevallo’s chapter of Chi Omega splash some color at their philanthropy event, the Color Me Chi O 5k.

With registration starting bright and early at 7 a.m., runners of all levels came out to participate in the clear, cold air of the late autumn day. According to Chi O member Jessica Smyly, a sophomore elementary education major, attendance swelled to “probably 150.”

However, it wasn’t just university students that ran. According to freshman art major Emily White, older citizens and families also joined in on the colorful fun.

At 8 a.m. the race commenced and expectant runners began the first leg of their colored, corn starch-filled journey. The race consisted of making three laps on the road that goes through the area behind the Student Activity Center.

All the while, participants either walked or ran through the various color stations that were bombarded with yellow, blue, green and pink powders that gave the event its name. Some of the paint made it onto the runners, sticking to and staining clothes, skin and hair. A few enthusiastic participants made rainbow-esque color powder angels on the splattered concrete.

Smyly said the whole event was “definitely” a success, and White proclaimed that “It was cool in both senses of the word.”

Color Me Chi O wasn’t just a fun diversion for a Saturday morning. The event helped raise money for Chi O’s philanthropy, the Make-A-Wish Foundation which helps children with terminal illnesses do something, go somewhere or meet someone they wouldn’t be able to under normal circumstances.

According to Chi O treasurer Jenna Huffstutler, the colorful event rose close to $5400 for the Make-A-Wish-Foundation, more than half of what a traditional wish costs.