The first annual Ferrum Color Run 5k will be hosted on Nov. 15, 2025 by the nursing, teacher education, and social work programs on campus.
The race will serve as a fundraiser for the Stepping Stone Mission, a local soup kitchen, according to Administrative Assistant Tammy Hodges.
“The run will benefit Stepping Stone Mission of Franklin County,” reported Hodges, “which is a local soup kitchen located on North Main Street in Rocky Mount. It serves a hot meal 365 days a year for individuals who may not be able to secure it for themselves. It also helps them connect them to additional county resources. The mission also has a thrift store where every penny spent goes to support the soup kitchen.”
Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) president and education major Quinn Hadden, senior, hopes that the race will highlight the local charity.
“Any more light that we can shine on them is a great boost,” Hadden noted.
KDP intends to play a big part in the event.
“KDP is volunteering to help the color run run smoothly,” he explained.
The color run will feature a 3.1-mile race across campus, marked with non-toxic paint stations that create a colorful twist for participants.
“A color run is a paint race,” offered Hadden. “During the race, no toxic (only skin-safe) paint is thrown on the runners, creating a fun and entertaining environment. ”
Nursing Professor Melody Sharp agrees as the three groups run though event planning.
“The athletic department is marking out the route on campus,” said Sharp. “The students and faculty and staff will receive a ‘swag bag’ and all including community members can purchase raffles for ‘prizes’ that have been donated.”
As an education major, Hadden hopes that the color run will bring attention to an oft-forgotten subject.
“People don’t realize how much food affects education,” Hadden said. “If a student comes to school hungry, malnourished, wondering if there will be food when they get home, they won’t be able to pay attention. The importance of the mission Stepping Stone is trying to achieve cannot be understated. ”
Sharp agrees, hoping to attract the attention of those on campus.
“My goal is to attract both student engagement and community involvement and awareness,” she added.
With the event just a month away, Sharp encourages all to attend.
“Come on out, even if you don’t want to run or walk,” she exclaimed. “We also need volunteers to throw the colors at the participants and help in other areas!”
