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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a "Color Run" and how long is it?
A Color Run features several different color stations where volunteers (Shaker elementary school students, faculty, and staff) cheer and toss brightly colored powder over participants as they pass. By the time runners cross the finish line, they have been dusted by all the colors in the rainbow! Color Runs are usually short (in this case, 2 miles), NOT timed, and for all ages and abilities. Participants generally finish in under 25 minutes and then gather afterwards to celebrate!
2. What is the colored powder made of and does it stain?
The colored powder is non-toxic, food-grade colored cornstarch. In our experience, one cycle through the washing machine removes the colored powder from clothing, though it may set if it gets wet beforehand. If you are picking up your child at the end of the event and are concerned about your vehicle's upholstery, place towels over the seats to protect the fabric. For more information, see the supplier's website.
Absolutely! Many of our participants are first-timers. You can choose to run, do a combination run/walk, or simply walk the entire way. The 2 mile course can be walked in under 40 minutes at a comfortable pace. Water will be provided and friendly community members will be stationed along The Course to guide you.
4. When and where is the Rainbow Run held?
The Run will be held after school on Friday, September 20, 2019 starting and finishing on the Shaker Middle School Upper Field. The Event is held Rain or Shine (there is no rain date!) along quiet, neighborhood streets in the Mercer area. See the course map for more information. You can also print the map (link coming).
5. How do I register and how much does it cost?
Register yourself or someone else online. Registration is $5 for Shaker Middle School Students, $25 for Other Students and Community Members, and free for District Employees and Virtual Participants. Online registration with a credit card is preferred though registrations may also be made using cash or checks and this Registration Form. Important: Please place checks and/or cash in a sealed envelope addressed to Janell Parsons, Administrative Assistant, and label with the name of the student being registered, grade level, and team.
6. Is there a deadline to register?
Online registrations are accepted as late as Midnight on Thursday, September 19th. Paper Registrations must be in by Tuesday, September 17th. If you miss those dates, walk up registrations will also be accepted right up until 3:45pm on the day of the Run. However, we cannot guarantee a t-shirt after Tuesday, September 17th. Also, late registrations really limit your ability to fund raise so registering early is in everyone's best interest!
7. I'm a SMS Student but I don't have the $5 needed to register. Can I still participate?
Absolutely! In fact, WE NEED YOU to make this Event a true success! If you are unable to register for financial reasons, please let your Counselor in the Middle School Office know ASAP as some of our Sponsors have kindly provided registration scholarship money. Counselor information is as follows:
8. I registered last year. Is my log in information (username and password) still good?
Yes! After you indicate who is registering (i.e. SMS Student, Other Student, Community Member, Shaker School District Employee, or Virtual Participant), you will see a "I Participated In Your Last Event" button in blue. Click this button to enter your log-in information and auto-fill most of this year's Registration Form.
9. What is the Schedule of Events that day?
The Opening Ceremony with Principal Hunter, SMS faculty, staff, and our very own Shaker Middle School Cheerleaders will begin at 3:45pm. The Run will begin at 4 pm, led by Principal Hunter. Three waves of runners (8th graders, 7th graders, Community Members) will be released at regular intervals from the starting gate so as not to crowd the sidewalks. All participants will begin the Run by 4:15 pm. Anyone still on the course after 5:00 pm must stay on the sidewalks if they are still on the course. Join us back on the SMS Upper Field afterward for food trucks and a DJ featuring dance music by request. Students can take the 5:45 pm late bus home following the event.
10. Do you run alone or as a team? Are there prizes?
Middle school students will sign up as part of their academic team but can run or walk at their own pace. Other participants can sign up individually. There are incentives AND prizes for fundraising SMS students:
Incentives are earned when SMS Students reach fundraising goals. These include:
1) An official 2019 Rainbow Run T-shirt ($25),
2) A Shaker Water Bottle ($50),
3) A Shaker String Backpack ($100),
4) Color Toss on Principal Hunter, SMS faculty, and staff before the Run ($200).
SMS Academic Team Prizes include:
1) Special Breakfast for the academic team from each grade that raises the most money.
2) Popsicle Party for the academic team from each grade with the most participants and Team Spirit.
11. I am concerned that I might not be able to fundraise. Will I be able to do it?
Even if you've never raised money before, the online tools, materials, and strategies make it easy to find friends, family, neighbors, and/or colleagues to sponsor you. Experience shows that it is fun to set and reach fundraising goals. Please refer to the sample letters found on your personal fundraising page. Remember to personalize these letters as you want people to know they are sponsoring YOU and YOUR efforts. Enjoy the Run and find all the sponsors you can so that when you cross the finish line, everyone wins!
12. I raised at least $25 or registered at that level. Where do I pick up my official 2019 Run t-shirt?
All SMS students earning t-shirts and other incentives will receive their items after school in the gym on the day of the Run (Friday, September 20th). Other Students, District Staff and Community Members can pick up t-shirts from 3:15-3:45 pm on the Upper Field that day. Important: Please register early as 2018 t-shirts cannot be guaranteed after Tuesday, September 18th!
13. What does sponsoring a Runner mean, exactly? How will donations be used?
When you sponsor a Runner or the Event, you are funding educational enrichment and PTO programs that benefit the entire Shaker Middle School Community. For example, Run funds have been used to purchase Chrome books, a Smart Board, Color and Laser Printers for Art and Design Classes, and Picnic Tables for student outdoor dining. In addition, Run Funds provided for $4K spread across 16 different Teacher Grants, Scholars' Events, Teacher Appreciation Lunches, food for the Community Thanksgiving Dinner, Classroom Guest Speakers, and almost $7K in Scholarships for the 8th grade Washington DC trip. 2019 Run Funds will be spent similarly and all funds raised will be used in the 2019-2020 school year. Please attend your PTO meetings for details!
14. How can my sponsors submit payment?
Online contributions can be made by credit card on a runner’s personalized page. If the Runner you want to sponsor has not sent you a link, you may search here. While online donations are preferred, checks (made out to Shaker Middle School PTO) and/or cash may be delivered to the SMS main office. Important: Please place checks and/or cash in a sealed envelope addressed to Janell Parsons, Administrative Assistant, and indicate the name of the student being sponsored, grade level, and team.
15. Is there a refund/exchange policy?
Yes. If a donation was made accidentally or for the wrong amount, simply make us aware of the issue and we will be happy to make any necessary refunds, changes or corrections. We are sorry, but registration fees are not refundable.
16. Are there volunteer opportunities?
Yes! We need lots of help making the Rainbow Run a success. To volunteer, visit this 2019 Run Sign Up Genius link. Questions? Please contact Nicky Turco ([email protected]).
17. Can SMS students volunteer for the event instead of running?
We are sorry, but due to liability reasons, the answer is no. The best way for SMS students to contribute to the Raider Rainbow Run is by registering to run and fundraise!
18. Can I run with my dog? How about a child in a stroller?
Again, we are sorry, but due to liability reasons, the answer is unfortunately no. Dogs and children in strollers are welcome on the Upper Field, however!
19. Is parking available?
Yes. Please note that the Middle School Parking lot will remain open with access from Shaker Boulevard only. Parking there may be limited. Parking is also available along the Upper Field and neighborhood streets. Please observe and obey parking signs to ensure the continued goodwill of all our SMS neighbors who so kindly share their neighborhood for this event! More questions? Please contact our fabulous Event Co-Chairs:
216-272-5755 216-832-6780
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