Ferndale Pride is a longstanding tradition in Ferndale, and this year, there’s a new tradition.
The Rainbow Run 5K is a new event that will weave through the streets of downtown Ferndale on Sunday, June 17 and is spearheaded by the Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce and presented by Comerica Bank. A family-friendly event, the Rainbow Run will also have a 2K kid’s run/walk that will pass by three of the color stations. Strollers are welcome (but no bikes or dogs, please). The run/walk is for everyone of all ages who supports diversity, acceptance and anti-bullying programs and people who believe we cannot be complete until all persons are included.
The run will be loosely timed for those runners who want to track their pace, but runners will not be placed. The race will start and finish along West Troy Street one block south of Nine Mile Road between Woodward Avenue and Allen Street.
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There will be a closing ceremony with a release of 300 rainbow-colored balloons sponsored by Blumz...by JRDesigns. The balloons will be biodegradable with no strings attached so the environment is not negatively impacted. It will create a colorful kick off for Ferndale Pride street festival that will begin in the same location at noon.
Participants will receive white T-shirts with the Rainbow Run logo to wear, and as participants pass six stations along the course, volunteers will throw a different colored non-toxic powdered paint at their shirts. By the end of the race, the T-shirts (and other parts of the body) will be decorated with all six colors of the rainbow and is a symbolic of how much more beautiful things are when you mix diversity and colors.
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Registration will begin at 9:30 am. The run/walk start times will be staggered by category starting at 10:30 am.
The cost to participate is $25 per person for the 5K run or walk, and $15 per person for 2K run/walk. For those who register the day of the event, the cost is $30 for the 5K and $20 for the 2K.
All proceeds from the event will go to the Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce; the Ferndale Community Foundation, Affirmations and Upstander, an anti-bullying program established by the Friendship Circle.
Visit www.rainbow-run.com to learn more or to register.
