School presenter says inaugural middle-school "Color Run" drew about 350 students

A presenter told the Groveport Madison Local Board of Education that an inaugural middle-school "Color Run" attracted about 350 students and ran without behavioral incidents.

The presenter described the event as a one-mile route that ran along Main Street past the Grove Ward Recreation Center with five color stations where volunteers tossed colored cornstarch powder. "We had over 350 students participate," the presenter said, adding: "I'm also very proud to say we had 0 behavioral issues, not a single 1." She credited parents, volunteers and local sponsors — including Texas Roadhouse, Dairy Queen and representatives from Nationwide Children's Hospital — and thanked the board for a $2,000 donation that helped pay for materials and free tickets for students in need.

Organizers described logistics intended to increase equitable access: seven buses transported students to the rec center and four buses took students home afterward, staff helped with drop-off and pick-up, and food service staff cut fruit for participants. The presenter said the event’s materials included pull-string bags, silicone bracelets and sunglasses for students and that volunteers and recreation-center staff handled course setup and safety oversight.

Board members who questioned the presentation sought minor clarifications about cleanup and whether the coloring was permanent; the presenter answered that the dye washes out. The presenter said the event grew from PTO discussions about student engagement and fundraising and that school leaders hope to repeat it next year.

The board did not take formal action on the presentation; it served as an informational update to the board.