Runners flock to Yelm-Rainier-Tenino Trail for YARD color run

The second annual color run, hosted by Youth Athletics Recreation Development (YARD), was a massive success for the local athletic organization as 118 runners hit the Yelm-Rainier-Tenino trail on Saturday, June 28, for a morning of fun and bright neon colors.

Participants lined up at the Yelm-Rainier-Tenino trailhead, located on First Street and Mosman Avenue, at 10 a.m. as runners prepared for the race. Whether it was from a toddler, an elementary student, a teenager, parents or grandparents, the sound of laughter and the sight of smiles filled the trail throughout the duration of the event.

Michelle Stephan, co-owner of YARD, was thrilled to see this year’s event participation nearly double in size in comparison to the first annual color run in 2024. Stephan and her husband, Dustin, were both actively involved in the color run. From covering participants in bright neon colors to encouraging the youngest competitors on the trail, the Stephan family was happy to host a fun activity for all community members to enjoy.

“It’s our second annual color run. We doubled our numbers from last year, and we’re out here raising money for our youth scholarships and youth programs. We’re having fun while doing it too — promoting healthy activity,” Stephan said. “Every year, we hope to just make it bigger and better. It’s a super fun event, and we hope to see you try it next year.”

This year, the color run included more color to douse the participants with, along with a free face painting stand and a selfie station. Stephan added that she’s hopeful to see the annual run grow into a staple event for Yelm and surrounding communities.

“It’s my favorite event. It’s a lot of fun, and people really enjoy it. I really hope so,” Stephan said. “I hope it keeps growing. Hopefully it continues to put Yelm on the map, because Yelm is pretty cool.”

Registration for YARD’s annual color run cost runners $40, or $30 if they registered before April 30, and the funds raised from the annual event helps the nonprofit continue to give back to local kids in need.

Stephan noted that the money raised from the color run will be used for YARD scholarships to create opportunities for children whose families may not be able to afford classes and courses hosted by the nonprofit throughout the summer.

“We do have a (scholarship) form to fill out, but it’s more so we know who’s coming in,” Stephan said. “We don’t want any kid to be left behind because of cost. We were able to scholarship six kids for our summer program already, and we also do scholarships for tutoring and things like that.”

She added that YARD hosts a series of mini camps throughout the summer and that a different theme is presented at the start of each new week, including classes for culinary, cheer, art and more. To view the nonprofit’s full list of offerings, visit its website at www.yardstudents.com.

“We moved here about 11 years ago now, and we just fell in love with the community. Anything we can do to give back and offer as much as we can for youth, because they’re the future leaders,” Stephan said. “We want to keep building leaders. We love it, and we love Yelm and this community. We’re happy to serve and be here.”