With blast of color, race takes aim at opioids

So far, more than 625 Chester County residents from ages 1 to 81 have registered to take part in the fight against opioid and heroin abuse, according to county officials.

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The Chester County Color 5K Race & Walk will take place on Saturday, Nov. 7, in West Chester.

On Saturday morning, Nov. 5, the Chester County Commissioners, the District Attorney, the Department of Health, and Drug & Alcohol Services will host the county’s first Chester County Color 5K Run & Walk in West Chester.

In 2014, 57 men and women in Chester County died from an accidental overdose of heroin, fentanyl or other opioids; they ranged in age from 17 to 63. In 2015, overdoses claimed the lives of 56 victims in the county, ranging in age from 18 to 72, according to statistics provided by Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan.

“We’re very pleased with the enthusiasm and the interest in the race,” said Rebecca Brain, a county spokeswoman. Although Chester County is one of the wealthiest, best-educated, and healthiest counties in the nation, it has faced the same overdose epidemic that is occurring across America, county officials have said repeatedly.

Participants will assemble starting at 8 a.m. in Everhart Park. A pre-race program is scheduled for 8:40 a.m., and the family-friendly, race-walk will begin at 9 a.m., making two loops around the southern portion of the borough. The course will follow South Brandywine, West Market, South Church, and Sharpless streets.

Brain said although roads would not be closed, traffic would be controlled by fire police so area motorists should be prepared for some delays. Brain said that participants who haven’t finished the course by 10 a.m. would be asked to use the sidewalks.

Before and after the race, a special banner will be available for all participants and guests to sign, noting that Chester County remembers those who have lost, or are still battling the disease of addiction. Color blasters will mark the start of the race, and color stations will be set up along the route to douse participants with brightly colored cornstarch.

Funds raised by the event will be dedicated to funding hospitals throughout Chester County to study and coordinate a new “warm hand-off program.” The “warm hand-off program” transitions those who have been saved from an overdose into long-term treatment and counseling, a county press release said.

Brain said registration is still open, and on-site registration will be available at 8 a.m. the morning of the race. Anyone who would like to register in advance should visit https://www.runtheday.com/registration/race_info/color-5k.

 

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