By Christian Coffman

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Downtown Natchez will be infused with a rainbow of colors Saturday as locals take to the streets for the Color Natchez 5K run.

The color run is hosted by the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals and The Markets and will raise money for new playground equipment at Duncan Park.

Last year’s event brought more than 700 participants downtown for the color run during which volunteers toss colored powder at runners and walkers as they pass color stations on the route.

“They love it, they always ask for more, especially the kids, because where else can you get dirty on purpose and have fun with it with your family,” said Haley Whittington of Natchez Young Professionals.

Color Natchez is set for 10 a.m. Saturday at the gazebo bandstand on the bluff. The color explosion is scheduled for 11:30 a.m.

Contests and giveaways will happen before the color run begins.

Participants are encouraged to pre-register online at
colornatchez5k.com. Those who pre-register can pick up their packet from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the barrel room at Bowie’s Tavern on the corner of Main and Broadway streets.

Pre-registration is $40 per runner, and registration at the event is $50 per runner. Discounted prices are available for families registering together as well as businesses with more than 30 people participating.

Race day registration begins at 8 a.m. Saturday at the gazebo bandstand on Broadway Street.Participants are encouraged to designate their local schools when registering. The school with the most participants will receive $500.

Anyone wishing to volunteer for Color Natchez can contact Whittington at 601-334-0770 or hewhitti@gmail.com.

“Throwing the color itself is a lot of fun and we’re always looking for volunteers,” Whittington said. “Just the sight of hundreds of people running downtown is a cool sight that’s pretty rare.”

For more information, visit the Color Natchez 5K’s Facebook page or colornatchez5k.com.