By Chris Hagan
Review Staff Writer
A record number of people attended the third annual Color Run/Walk 5K hosted by the North Oakland Community Coalition.
The day started with a threatening chance of storms with graying skies and small spats of rain. But despite the declining forecast, vehicles and families by the hundreds were the only thing pouring into Friendship Park on Saturday.
Doubling in size of participants from last year, the runners gathered at 8:30a.m.near the baseball fields for opening statements of appreciation from Orion Township Supervisor Chris Barnett and NOCC Executive Director Julie Brenner.
They led the runners in saying the Pledge of Alliance and immediately following was an eruption of multicolored powder thrown by the participants to signify the start of race.
‘We had a significant amount of people participating and significant amount of community leaders volunteering,? NOCC Project Coordinator Barb Pote said. ‘We had kids, parents, and people from all walks of life.?
People had arrived to the park in clean white t-shirts and then were quickly covered in dusty stains of blues and purples. The runners, trotters and walkers weaved in and around Friendship Park to complete the 3.1 mile event.
While runners and walkers traversed the pavement there was activities throughout the pavilion area for those not running.
Visitors brought children to a petting zoo that was brought onsite as well as a bounce house. Buffalo Wild Wings even provided food for everyone.
The NOCC hosted the Color Run/Walk to not only promote an enjoyable community event centered around physical activity, but to continue the awareness of creating a safe, drug free environment. The funds collected will help the NOCC continue projects and events aimed at adolescent physical and mental health.
‘We have middle and high school programs as well town hall-type meeting aimed at parents,? Pote said. ‘Our mission is promote healthy mental health and prevent substance abuse.
The NOCC began in 2007 as a community response to increases in adolescent alcohol and substance abuse. They receded a grant from the federal government aimed at prevention against teen abuses of prescription drugs, alcohol and marijuana. Their focus was directed at adolescents under the age of 20 and their parents in the form of information distribution.
‘We do a lot in the community and we’re protecting our youth and taking great pride in providing ways and means to protect our youth,? Pote said.
For more information on the NOCC and the various prevention activities they participate in you can visit northoaklandcoalititon.com or call 248-520-3786.