Tyler Parks and Rec’s third annual 5K coloration run paints the city

Tyler Parks and Rec’s third annual 5K coloration run paints the city

Published 6:00 am Sunday, January 11, 2026

Cold winds and brisk temperatures didn’t decelerate lots of of runners Saturday morning on the Tyler Rose Garden, as individuals bundled up for the third annual Run Tyler 5K Color Run, splashing coloration — and frozen smiles — throughout the course.

“This is such a fun event,” stated Kandice Johnson, recreation supervisor for Tyler Parks and Recreation. “We’ve seen our turnout grow every year, and it’s exciting to have the community come together like this.”

The occasion, organized by Tyler’s Parks and Recreation Department, was designed not as a timed race however as a possibility to encourage group engagement, rejoice the beginning of the brand new 12 months, and lift funds for division’s applications and actions.

“This year we had about 250 people registered, which is a big improvement from last year,” Johnson stated. “It’s really encouraging to see families and all ages coming out. We want this to be accessible for everyone, and it’s great to see it growing.”

Unlike conventional highway races, coloration runs emphasize enjoyable and participation over pace or competitors. Along the three.1‑mile course, runners had been doused with brilliant coloured powders at varied factors, turning the run right into a festive, household‑pleasant celebration. Events like this encourage individuals of all ages and health ranges to get lively, have enjoyable, and benefit from the expertise collectively.

“Right now we’re just doing this one as an annual thing, but if the community wants more, that’s something we’ll definitely think about,” Johnson stated.

According to Johnson, the individuals appreciated that the occasion was designed to be family-friendly and budget-conscious. 

“We get a lot of good feedback about it being affordable. That’s our main thing — we just want to make it accessible to everybody,” she stated. Registration charges and swag packs had been priced so households might take part collectively with out breaking the financial institution, serving to make sure the run remained welcoming to all ages and expertise ranges.

For some individuals, the enjoyable run was a household affair. Viviane Hernandez and her 16-year-old daughter Natalee had been among the many runners braving the chilly climate.

“I wanted to do it with my mom,” Natalee stated. “It was kind of hard with the hills, but it was fun, and she waited for me whenever I needed to stop.”

Her mom added, “It’s great to spend this time together and get some exercise. Seeing her enjoy it makes it worth it.”

Johnson credited her crew of volunteers for serving to arrange the course and handle the colourful chaos. “They got here early, helped prep everything, and made sure participants had bright color wristbands and sweatbands,” she stated. “It’s their hard work that really makes the event run smoothly.”

The run supplied extra than simply coloration and enjoyable; it was an opportunity for the group to get lively, get pleasure from time collectively, and rejoice the beginning of a brand new 12 months.

“This is exactly why I come to work every day,” Johnson stated. “Seeing families out here, people of all ages, being active and making memories together — it just does wonders for my heart and reminds me why I do what I do.”

For upcoming occasions, make sure you take a look at Tyler Parks and Recreation website or social media pages.