Alva Review-Courier -

The Alva Elementary Schools hosted their annual Color Run fundraiser on Tuesday, Oct. 25. Students, family, staff and community members all came together to enjoy a fun evening outside while running or walking the 1 mile fun run or 5K course.

The race began at Washington Elementary School with an explosion of color thrown into the air by all participants at the starting line. 5K runners began the race, followed by the 1 mile fun run participants. At Longfellow Elementary, the midway point for the 1 mile, runners got an additional dose of powdered color following a water station. There were several other color stations throughout the course and an additional water station for the 5K runners at Alva Middle School.

Students and families enjoyed playing on an inflatable obstacle course and slide. Admission to the inflatables was included in the Color Run registration fee. Inflatable wristbands were also available for individual purchase at the event. Face painting and a hot dog meal was also available for additional purchase, proceeds going to the elementary schools.

The Color Run is the only fundraiser the three elementary schools have promoted in recent years. The profit from the Color Run goes into all elementary schools' activity accounts, which pays for special activities, field trips, various incentives, and playground improvements throughout the school year. Washington, Longfellow and Lincoln staff members have been organizing this event for the past several months to ensure its success.

Sadie Longhurst, fifth grader at Lincoln Elementary School, and her little brother Josh Longhurst, first grader at Washington Early Childhoold Center, were the first to finish the 1 mile fun run.

This year's run was sponsored by over 45 companies and individuals. Sponsors were given the opportunity to be recognized on the back of the annual color run t-shirt. Sponsorship levels were divided into three categories: Bronze – $50, Silver – $150, and GOLDbug – $250. There were also over 250 registered participants for this year's event.

The first male and female runners to finish the 1 mile fun run were siblings Sadie and Josh Longurst. Sadie, fifth grade student at Lincoln Elementary, took the lead and little brother, Josh is a first grade student at Washington Early Childhoold Center, was a close second. The winners of the 5K run were Alva residents Matt Nickel, who took the overall first place for the 5K, and Holly Hoffman, who was the first female to cross the 5K finish line.

The event was an exciting evening filled with family, friends and fun. The organizers thanked everyone for coming out and making it a great success for the schools. They also thanked the AHS cross country team, boys basketball team, AMS cross country team and Northwest VoTech teachers who volunteered their time to help with this event. Additional thanks went to Kids & Cops for their cooking.