Runners will shower in a gold and purple rain when the North Alabama Department of Athletics hosts the fourth annual 5K and 1-mile Color Run April 8 outside Flowers Hall.

The 5K run will begin at 9 a.m. with the 1-mile run to follow at 9:15 a.m.

The event will last until around 10:15 a.m. since there is no time limit, said Megan Lovelace, UNA Athletics Development Officer.

Participants can register at the event. Registration fees are $30 for the 5K and $20 for the 1-mile run.

Lovelace encourages participants to arrive 45 – 60 minutes before the run begins to allow time for parking and registration.

The event is open to university students, faculty and staff, as well as the community, and will feature gold and purple colored powder.

The powder is non-toxic and biodegradable, according to the athletics website. However, officials encourage participants with sensitive eyes to wear sunglasses or goggles.

Staff recommends participants wear white to the event so the colors stand out. The powder is not intended to stain, but event staff suggests everyone bring a change of clothes and towels for the ride home.

The event will not have an award ceremony following the runs to encourage participants to enjoy running with friends, Lovelace said.

“We started (the run) as a way to get the athletes and coaches involved and also as a family friendly, affordable event for the community members,” Lovelace said.

The run’s path will start and end at Flowers Hall and go toward Wildwood Park. There are no major roads included in the path, Lovelace said.

Junior Destiny Izzaguirre said she would like to run this year as she was not able to last year.

“It seems like a fun way to show school spirit and get students excited about UNA,” Izzaguirre said.

Lovelace said the number of participants has grown each year.

“Last year, we had about 600 people participate, and if participation continues to grow like it has, we would expect more for this year’s turnout,” she said.

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Megan Lovelace at 256-765-4615.