Texas A&M University–San Antonio will launch its inaugural “On A Mission 5K Color Run” on 9:30 a.m. May 4, hosted by the Jaguarettes, the University’s dance team, in front of Patriots’ Casa.
The color run will showcase essential landmarks spread throughout the 10-year-old campus and also follow the landscape encompassing the greater San Antonio area. Participants may check-in using tables located in front of the Madla Building where each one will receive their race packet.
“It’s not just for faculty, staff and students; it is open to the public. We’re hoping that it strongly encourages a community outreach,” Coach Courtney Bobb-Meilinger of the Jaguarettes said. “And that’s why we voted as a team to call it On A Mission. Something that kind of intertwines with the school, that we’re all on a mission together.”
The color run is reminiscent of the Hindu tradition called “Holi” which according to history.com welcomes spring in Hinduism, the third-largest religion in the world. While the festival celebrates the end of winter by covering runners in dry, colored powder, the festival also observes this time to reflect on the victory of good over evil and forgiveness.
Participants use this opportunity to mend broken relationships, reminiscence with others, and seek or accept forgiveness as they embrace the new season.
Presciliano Hernandez, 20 and a student at A&M-San Antonio, won a ticket for the color run from the Jaguarettes Dance Team during a Valentine’s Day giveaway. As an active person who enjoys running and exercising with a kettlebell he looks forward to the event, however, a recent knee injury may slow him down on race day.
“It’s gonna be like my 50th race or something like [that]. … I’ve done a few,” Hernandez said. “Like for my birthday last year I did a glow run and so like, I guess I can kind of compare it to a color run. It’ll be my first color run ever.”
Analisa Brunn, president of the Jaguarettes, said proceeds from this event will benefit the Jaguarettes. The group is looking into doing it every year to raise money for nationals.
“Our goal is to go to competition,” Brunn said. “We want to raise the money and make sure we have enough for all the girls to be able to financially attend.”
According to their website, runners participating in the “On A Mission 5K Color Run” must check-in by 8 a.m. on race day with their ID. They may also choose to check-in early to receive their race packets on May 2 from noon-5:30 pm. and May 3 from noon-1:30 p.m. on the campus courtyard.
Event parking opens at 7:30 a.m. for the public at One University Way. In the event of postponement or cancellation, the A&M-San Antonio Jaguarettes will provide an alternative day to accommodate participants and attendees.
Click here for more information regarding the “On A Mission 5K Color Run.”
