On your mark, get set, GO! Well, not quite yet. But, you better be ready on May 02, 2015 - the return of the Color Me Cape 5K. Who’s ready? I am.

The Color Me Cape 5K is back with a vengeance — in a good way, that is! With an outstanding turnout last year, bringing more than 2,100 people to Cape Girardeau, the Color Me Cape 5K team has decided to return with an encore. This fun, colorful, 3.1 mile race will take place in the historic downtown center of Cape Girardeau.

Not only does this fun 5K benefit you, in so many ways, it also benefits others. By partaking in this run, you are actually helping to help others. This event supports the Quest Scholarship Program, which awards multiple scholarships to high school seniors who plan to obtain further education and have a plan to actively make a difference in their community. Talk about a great cause!

I have to say, I am pumped about this 5K — this is my very first 5K. What sparked my interest in participating in this event? My sister and I remember it like it was yesterday. Last year, on one sunny, perfect weather day, we were driving in Downtown Cape Girardeau when, all of the sudden, we saw a ton of people with tutus on and covered in some colorful powder. And, moreover, we saw big smiles upon each person’s face. As we slowly rode past them, it looked like (scratch that…they were) having a ton of fun. We didn’t know exactly what was going on at the time, but remember saying to each other, “We want to get in on that!” And guess what? A whole year later, my sister and I get to be in on all the fun, colorful action of the Color Me Cape 5K—all thanks to my dear friend Nicholle Hinkle.

My friend, Nicholle, approached me this year about joining her team. And, of course, I said yes and gave her my spill about what my sister and I encountered last year, and told her we definitely want to be in on it this year. So, what do you know?! We are! Our team is called Get Fit or Dye Trying. And let me tell you, we have been doing just that. We have been preparing for this 5K with the help of a handy, dandy little app called Couch to 5K. Boy, is this a wonderful app, especially if you’re like me. You know, your first-ever 5K. Wow! Pray for me! Without all of this support, I don’t know if I would have been able to do such a race. And, I would have probably been the very last to finish…but that’s just something that I refuse. So, I’m ready; we’re ready to finish this race—as long as it’s not last.

To learn more about this fun, exciting, colorful event, visit Color Me Cape 5K on Facebook.

One last thing - I’ll see you at the finish line.

This post was written by guest blogger, Kaleisha Walker.

Walk up to Belair Bar & Grill on Spanish Street on a Wednesday evening and you'll notice the place is not only buzzing, but it's been taken over by runners. People stretching by the stage, knotting their laces on patio chairs and catching up with jovial conversations are all the norm. The group meets at Belair at 6:30 and runs a 4 mile loop throughout downtown ending back at Belair for food and socializing. We usually put together about five or six tables and all enjoy food and drinks together after the run. Belair also offers our group special deals on the food which is most appreciated! Anyone is invited to join any of the runs (no matter your pace), and one of my favorite things about the group is the wide variety of awesome people I've met while participating.

I personally started running last summer after a friend invited me to try the social run at Belair. Being a newbie to running (and really to working out in general), I wasn't so sure I was cut out for this group. After one run, though, my fears were shed.

I discovered the whole point of social run was to run together... of course there were people running at different paces and speeds, but ultimately no one was to be left alone. If you see someone running by themselves you either slow down or speed up so they're not alone. Starting out I ran about 1 mile with the group and then would take a shortcut back to Belair.

Everyone in the group was so encouraging. About the third or fourth time I showed up, one of the men in the group confidently told me that I was running 2 miles that day without stopping. I laughed because I had just started running 1 mile without stopping. More committed and convinced than I was, he ran beside me the whole way giving me advice and encouragement, and through the huffs and puffs I made it to 2 miles. The feeling of accomplishment was so nice, and the camaraderie by which I accomplished it was even more uplifting. As any social runner could tell you, the stories of friendship and camaraderie are so abundant!

The group is led by local running experts, Bryan and Kim Kelpe who together own and operate Missouri Running Company. About once a month they will invite out athletic brand reps or have a special demonstration before the social run that benefit runners such as tips and tricks for running at night, and every once in awhile there are even door prizes! Woop! Woop!

Come and see what it's all about. I've been running for close to a year now, and am still near the back of the pack; but no one ever makes me feel inferior. Everyone is genuinely encouraging. It's all about being active and just giving your best effort. Whether your mile is 14 minutes or 6 minutes, you will benefit from time well spent with others, and I promise you'll leave with lifted spirits. See you next Wednesday at 6:30 at Belair!