Participants get into the spirit of the Color Me Crazy 5K Walk/Run in Freehold Township. The event kicked off the township’s “Paint the Town Pink” campaign on Sept. 28. More than 300 people participated in the Color Me Crazy 5K Walk/Run to benefit the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign and officially kick off Freehold Township’s “Paint the Town Pink” campaign for breast cancer awareness this month.
The event was held at Michael J. Tighe Park, Georgia Road, on Sept. 28.
“The main thing was to have fun and get together with friends.” said Sue McGough, superintendent of the Freehold Township Recreation Department, which sponsored the event.
The participants had a blast getting sprayed with colored cornstarch as they ran or walked through the park and though five color stations, according to McGough.
“The final color throw was all pink powder, and it officially kicked off the ‘Paint the Town Pink’ campaign,” Mc- Gough said.
She said the proceeds of about $1,500 will benefit the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign.
“The Color Me Crazy 5K Run is a multi-generational event that brought the community together to kick off Freehold Town-ship’s commitment to the fight against cancer and to the ‘Paint the Town Pink’ campaign,” Deputy Mayor Anthony Ammiano said. Pink ribbons will be displayed at the municipal complex and painted on sports fields.
McGough said the Color Me Crazy event began to take shape after she was approached by Freehold Township High School Principal Elizabeth Higley. The principal asked McGough to come up with a way for students to become involved in the community, have fun and earn community service volunteer hours.
A committee of 12 students from Freehold High School and Freehold Township High School and an additional 50 volunteers, including students from Howell High School, were on hand for the event to lend assistance.
McGough said Freehold Township High School senior Kevin Krumbine volunteered his skills as a DJ to provide entertainment.
Township Committeewoman Barbara McMorrow, who chairs the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign, said the event was “joyous.” She commended McGough, the parks and recreation staff, and volunteers who she said went “above and beyond” to make the day a success.
“Everyone had a good time, and it was for such a good cause,” McMorrow said.
She commented on the pink ribbons at the municipal complex and on the township’s sports fields both to raise awareness of the fight against breast cancer.
“Pink is such a hopeful color,” she said.
