Pella, Iowa – Perfect conditions and an increased number of participants helped make the 2015 Many Hands for Haiti (MH4H) Color Blast 5K a great success. With over 500 participants, 90 volunteers and the help of our generous sponsors, including title sponsor Marion County Bank, the day was able to raise over $12,500.

Everyone throwing color into the air just before the race begins.

On Saturday, September 26^th, the un-timed race started at 9:00am in front of The Mango Tree in Pella. With 5 different color stations, where runners were sprayed with a different colored powder, the participants ended the race with vibrant colors covering them from head to toe!

Running with free abandon through the Green color station! Time for some blue.

The festive atmosphere helped create a lively scene for the morning. Many came dressed in fun costumes, displaying colorful wigs, tutus, and crazy socks. At the end of the race, participants enjoyed music, water and food provided by Hy-Vee, Fareway, and Subway, group photos at the photo booth, and a free 10 ounce cups of frozen yogurt from the Mango Tree. The Pella Police Department even got involved in the action, with one of the police squad cars getting in on the color blasting action!

The back of the Pella Police car after being blasted on the way through! Raise your hands in the air… Covered in color and loving it!

“We couldn’t have asked for a better day,” said Tim Brand, executive leader of MH4H. “The weather was perfect, the racers were excited, the sponsors provided in a big way, and we had great volunteers. Everyone really enjoyed themselves today.” “As I said in my pre-race talk, this event is a way for us to give back to others who need our help. This money will go a long ways in Haiti. And, not only can we be light in Haiti, we can be light right in our backyard. We are all challenged to be better family members, better workers, and better community member’s right where God put us.”

Enjoying a well deserved post race Froyo from The Mango Tree.

All proceeds from the MH4H Color Blast 5K will be used to fund ministry purposes for MH4H, which include children’s education, spiritual development, food and farming programs, home rebuilding, medical services, and economic development opportunities.