Once participants finished, staff from the Mesquite Recreation Center volunteered to blow off the chalk from clothing, as seen here with Brooke Whipple. Photo by Stephanie Clark.

A majority of the fun mile run for the first annual Desert Color Dash included many children in the community who will eventually benefit from the funds raised in the day’s events. Photo by Stephanie Clark.

As participants of the 5k crossed the finish line, they were doused with color chalk as part of the Desert Color Dash held at Hafen Park on March 11. Photo by Stephanie Clark.

Over 1,000 people came out to support local elementary PTOs on March 11 in the first annual Desert Color Dash held at Hafen Park. Photo by Stephanie Clark.

As temperatures continue to rise in the sunny Virgin Valley, 1,027 participants signed up to participate in the first of what hopes to be many Desert Color Dash 5k and Fun Run event that was held at Hafen Park on March 11.

“A little over $10,000 was raised for the PTOs at J.L. Bowler and Virgin Valley Elementary Schools,” said Nick Montoya, Director of Athletic and Leisure Services with the City of Mesquite, who assisted in the event organization and with needed resources. “It’s another testament of how our wonderful community continues to come together time after time to support each other.”

 

Montoya added that he hopes to continue the event for many more years, citing that everyone had fun and it was a great way to spend a healthy morning with the family.

The monies raised will go towards projects at both Mesquite and Bunkerville elementary schools. According to Montoya, J.L. Bowler Elementary is planning on installing a three-lane track around their grass area so that the students have a better surface on which to run and walk.

Wendy Kinney, RSC General Manager for Do it Best Corp., poses with her dog Hoss at the first annual Desert Color Dash. Photo by Stephanie Clark.

As part of the added fun to get some more color in participants’ attire, a color war was held prior to the start of the one mile Desert Color Dash on March 10. Photo by Stephanie Clark.