The Hormel Institute, other groups to benefit from 5K walk/fun run on Aug. 18

Austin will get a significant dash of color later this summer when The Hormel Institute joins four other local nonprofits to raise money for their charitable efforts through a new 5K walk/run.

Austin’s first “5 for 5” Color Dash 5K Walk/Fun Run is set for 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 18, as an early kickoff to the 2nd annual Austin ArtWorks festival, which will be the following weekend at the Downtown Power Plant. Although details need to be finalized, the Color Dash route is planned to start and end at the Downtown Power Plant, with The Hormel Institute serving as a mid-point, colorful area along the way. A shorter route for children also is planned.

Proceeds from the “5 for 5” event will be distributed equally to five nonprofits: The Hormel Institute Cancer Research; Austin ArtWorks/Vision 2020; Mayo Clinic Health System – Austin; Austin Area Foundation; and Riverland Community College Athletics.

“We’re happy to bring this event to Austin. It’s a great way to support good causes for the community and beyond,” said Gail Dennison, The Hormel Institute’s Director of Public Relations & Development. “It should be a great and healthy weekend that also will include the Haitian Hustle 5K run/walk the previous day.”

Other local residents are planning The Haitian Hustle 5K Fun Run for Education for the morning of Saturday, Aug. 17, starting at the Faith Evangelical Church in Austin. The Haitian Hustle raises money to help provide education in Haiti.

The Color Dash is an organization in the region that describes itself as “the world’s brightest 5K.” The group’s events consist of a 5-kilometer – about 3.1 miles – walk or “fun run” for all ages that is not timed and that happens rain or shine.

With registration, each participant receives one white Color Dash shirt for getting “color blasted” along the course; one color pouch for the end finale; and a Color Dash swag-bag filled with fun Color Dash items.

Coloring used throughout the event on participants is 100% natural and safe as it is non-toxic and non-irritating. Organizers use food-grade corn starch and food-grade coloring. Participants are encouraged to wear as much white as possible and be creative for a costume contest. No pets are allowed on the Color Dash walk/run.

After finishing the dash, participants will gather for a Color Dash Finale “Color Explosion” at the power plant.

“Art is all about color, and that’s what the Color Dash is good at,” said Belita Schindler, co-chair of the Austin ArtWorks Festival. “We hope you come and dash with us. Then you’ll be ready for the Austin ArtWorks festival.”

Cost is $30 per person or $70 per team (two to six people per team). To register online for the Austin event, go to: www.thecolordash5k.com/austin-minnesota.html

Individuals and teams also can register the day of the event or pick up their event packets starting at 12:30 p.m. Aug. 18 at the Downtown Power Plant, 419 Fourth Ave. N.E.

More details will be announced as the “5 for 5” event date gets closer.