Poster for the Color Me United 5K Run/Walk, hosted by the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area. Submitted Photo

FARMINGTON — On Saturday, Aug. 26, Downtown Farmington will be taken over by runners as the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area will be hosting the seventh annual Color Me United 5K. The race is set to begin at 9 a.m. in the parking lot of Narrow Gauge Cinemas, located at 123 Narrow Gauge Square in Farmington.

Director of Community Engagement Chelsie Whittier says that sign-ups are available online at events.r20.constantcontact.com. Registration for the event is $40 for an individual. Those who are planning on teaming up with five or more members will have their registration fee discounted to $35. Refunds for purchased tickets are not available, but they can be transferred to another person.

Registered participants will receive a swag bag, but will also have the option of two different swag bags. They may choose the free swag bag which comes with one’s registration or upgrade to a bigger one filled with additional items for an extra $30.

People can also register in person the day of the event, but Whittier encourages participants to sign up in advance to allow UWTVA a headcount to know how many swag bags will be needed.

According to Whittier, they have roughly 300 participants signed up as of Monday, Aug.21. The route the runners, and walkers, will take is Front Street to Main Street, Prescott Street, Maple Avenue, High Street, Middle Street, Fairview Avenue, Perham Street and Broadway. If you are planning on traveling in the Downtown Farmington area on this day, please take into account delays and detours due to the race.

Sponsors of the event include Randy Keach Auto, Otis Federal Credit Union, Franklin Community Health Network, Full Blown Hydroponics and Gardening Center, Poland Springs, Bangor Savings Bank and United Insurance. All proceeds will help fund UWTVA’s various programs, such as the Don’t Despair, Car Repair program.

Whittier, along with the rest of UWTVA, will be present to provide any additional information or help. “I will not be running but I will be there being the hostess with the mostest,” she said.

For any additional information, visit uwtva.org or contact Chelsie Whittier at United Way of the Tri-Valley Area 207-778-5048 ext. 4, or cwhittier@uwtva.org.