Video: Community turns out for Color Me Blue: RUN4LEXI event

There were no medals or timing chips for Saturday’s Color Me Blue: RUN4LEXI race and walk throughout Guthrie. Instead both the young and old came together to throw dry paint on each other, remember a young life taken to soon and raise money for the LEARN2LOVE initiative.

Guthrie Junior High teachers and staff helped organize the 5k run and one mile walk to help create awareness for healthy living, raise funds for the LEARN2LOVE program and honor the life of Lexi Hastings.

Hastings, an avid runner, suddenly passed away last December at the age of 19. Related article: Community unites in candle light vigil for Lexi Hastings

“The turnout was awesome,” Junior High Principal Robbie Rainwater said. “I had set a goal early on hoping we would have 200 participants. With this being our first year to have the run we really didn’t know what to expect.”

Before taking off, participants tossed the paint into the air to add a little more color to the event. Along the route, participants pass through vibrant color zones, making it an even more colorful experience.

Rainwater said over 400 participants and another 40-50 volunteers showing up was a true testament to how many people really loved Lexi.

“It’s also a preview of how Lexi is going to continue to touch lives through our LEARN2LOVE program.”

LEARN2LOVE is a program to help students, whether it be classroom supplies, shoes, clothes, coats, or anything else that may meet a student’s needs.

“I spoke with Spencer and Tandie (Lexi’s parents) and they both thought the event was very special,” Rainwater said. “I asked for their permission to continue this event annually and they gave their blessing. In doing so, I hope we do our part to adequately memorialize how much Lexi meant to us. I have known the Hastings family since I have been in Guthrie. I taught and/or coached all three kids; Kolt, Blaze, and Lexi. Spencer and Tandie have always been extremely kind to me and I want them to know how much their family means to a lot of us.”