The Run IN Color 5K and kids dash at Windjammer Park Saturday, Aug. 17, was more than a chance for runners to be doused by colored powder while jogging along the beach trail.

Wendolyn Rue, one of the organizers of the event, said, “This Run IN Color was a lot of fun for me but was really something much more selfish. I knew I wanted to do something for fellow runners following the bombing at the Boston Marathon.”

As a physical therapist, Rue said she understands the cost “physically, mentally and financially of losing a limb.”

Rue was especially touched by the story of dancer Adrianne Haslet-Davis, who vowed to dance again after being badly injured in the Boston explosion.

Rue said, “I wanted to help her so badly it hurt. Somehow an ‘explosion of color’ seemed to be just right to satisfy my desire to help and calm down my anger.”

Physical therapist Tara Vollersten suggested to Rue they sponsor a 5K and give the proceeds to a local charity, Citizens Against Domestic Violence.

“I am a Soroptimist,” Rue said, “so helping women and girls has been a passion.”

The race raised $1,700.

“I hope Run IN Color is the beginning of a new tradition in Oak Harbor,” Rue said.

The North Whidbey Park and Recreation District and its Fitness Club coach Curtis Vieke helped Rue Primavera Physical Therapy run the event.

Vieke said Rue “knocked it out of the park and we had a great turnout.”

He added, “You got to see how great this community is from all the participants to the tireless efforts of the volunteers that made this happen.”