A relatively new homecoming tradition continues this year with Central’s Homecoming Wildcat 5k Color Run. Prior to the football game on Oct. 18 against Western Oregon University, Central students can participate in an exciting race around campus.

If you have not signed up for the race yet, you are able to register any time at the recreation center desk next to the climbing wall, or on the morning of the race at the registration table. You must bring your $25 payment when you register.

The race is set to begin at 10:30 a.m. on the SURC East patio. Registration will start at 9:30 a.m.

Participants who arrive early to registration may receive free long sleeve t-shirts, sunglasses and bandanas for the run.

The 2013 Color Run had over 200 racers transform their white clothing to rainbow attire. According to Jordan Stinglen Central is expecting between 150 and 250 participants this year.

The race will begin on the SURC East patio then travel down to University Way, take a right turn on D Street, turn right again back on 18th street and back down on Alder Street to finish at the SURC.

There will be stations along the race route where runners will have wet paint thrown onto them. These stations are located on the multipurpose fields by Nicholson Pavilion and outside the ROTC building. Painting stations will include water guns filled with paint and slip-n-slides into the Outdoor Pursuit and Rental’s rafts.

The recreation center has contributed to this year’s race by purchasing one pound of dry paint per runner. Last year they only had half a pound of paint per runner. The goal is not to finish the run as fast as possible, but to look more like a piece of artwork than any other participant when the run is finished. There will be around 30 volunteers helping runners become drenched in color.

“It was an amazing event,” said Justin Lee, a grad student studying athletic management who participated in last year’s color run. “It was well advertised and directions were provided for me.”

Lee said that he and his friends were unfamiliar with how color runs work.

“We weren’t sure how the paint was being implemented, so we decided to wear chemistry goggles for the race,” Lee said.

Lee’s color-stained shirt became a cherished memento.

“At the end of the race, they would spray vinegar onto your shirt to solidify the color into a tie-die effect,” Lee said. “It is one of my favorite shirts. I love it. It’s a memory piece for me.”