More than 200 people participated in the Forest Park PTO’s third annual color run. Inspired by the Hindu festival of Holi, the vibrant and fun-filled event was held at Roos Recreation Center on Saturday, Sept. 20. During the run, volunteers threw colored powder at participants of all ages as they passed through a variety of color stations. Most of the runners wore white clothing, eager to be painted like a canvas by the time they reached the finish line.
Kc Mutchler, president of the Forest Park PTO, said the run is a great opportunity for D91 students and families to come out and have a good time together. The untimed race emphasizes fun over competition and has no winners or prizes.
Rachelle Ernst and other volunteers douse runners in blue powder as they round a corner during the Forest Park PTO’s Color Run | HOPE BAKER 
Forest Park PTO President Kc Mutchler provides directions to participants before the race during the Color Run on Saturday, Sept. 20 | HOPE BAKER 
The Linton family gets ready to join other participants at the starting line during the the Forest Park PTO’s Color Run at Roos Recreation Center on Saturday, Sept. 20 | HOPE BAKER 
Participants burst through the starting line during the Forest Park PTO’s Color Run at Roos Recreation Center on Saturday, Sept. 20 | HOPE BAKER
“Folks can run around the course as many times as they want to,” Mutchler said. “The kids just absolutely love it.”
Mutchler said the color run, which has a registration fee of $10 per family, is one of four yearly events hosted by the PTO.
“We’ve got a lot of really great volunteers helping out,” Mutchler said. “This is our third annual and it grows every year.”
After all of the participants gathered at the starting line, Mayor Rory Hoskins kicked off the race with an enthusiastic countdown, then sent the runners on their way.
Hoskins, who raised four kids in Forest Park with his wife, said he is a big fan of District 91.
“The volunteers work hard. They’re good people,” Hoskins said. “They’re my neighbors and I know them, so I’m happy to help.”
Among this year’s participants was Chris Linton, who took part in the run alongside his wife and two children. Originally from Philadelphia, the Lintons moved to Forest Park about two years ago. Both their children, ages 5 and 3, attend Garfield Elementary.
Betsy and Hugo Quarfoot partake in the Forest Park PTO’s Color Run at Roos Recreation Center on Saturday, Sept. 20 | HOPE BAKER 
A volunteer checks in the Ball family during the Forest Park PTO’s Color Run at Roos Recreation Center on Saturday, Sept. 20 | HOPE BAKER 
Andrea Marello, a D91 parent and school board member, helps her son and his friends prepare for the Forest Park PTO’s Color Run at Roos Recreation Center on Saturday, Sept. 20 | HOPE BAKER 
Mary and Michael Dmyterko get ready to join the other participants at the starting line for the Forest Park PTO’s Color Run | HOPE BAKER 
Maria Paredes runs through the finish line with her children during the Forest Park PTO’s Color Run at Roos Recreation Center on Saturday, Sept. 20 | HOPE BAKER
A first-time participant in the color run, Linton said he has enjoyed living in Forest Park so far.
“It’s beautiful,” he said. “It’s diverse, welcoming and family-oriented — just kind of everything we were looking for.”
Another D91 parent who took part in the run was Mary Dmyterko, who said she and her 12-year-old son, Michael, were there to support the PTO and Forest Park Middle School.
A first-time participant, Dmyterko said she was not worried about getting doused in colorful powder.
“I heard the colors wash right off,” she said. “We’ll see if that’s true.”
Andrea Marello, a D91 parent and school board member, attended the event with her second-grade son, Max.
“He and his buddies are all here and they are hyped,” Marello said. “I think this is such a good all-district event because its outside, it’s easy to participate, and it’s super inviting. The color aspect makes the kids feel like they’re at a community rave. It’s a lot of fun.”
Other events hosted by the D91 PTO throughout the year include Trunk or Treat with D91, Loteria Night, The Forest Park Middle School Sneaker Ball, MLK Day of Service, Betsy Ross Winter Family Night, and the Field Stevenson Glow Party.
