By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

The downtown streets of Hays will be a “rainbow of colors” March 7,  when the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office and the Hays Police Department partner for the Flash Dash 5K Walk and Run, a fundraiser for the Western Kansas Special Olympics.

Flash Dash co-coordinator and sheriff’s department records clerk Roberta Oborny said participants are encouraged to wear their flashiest and brightest colors for the event.

“It’s a great opportunity to show your support for the Special Olympics,” she said. “A lot of the (Special Olympic) athletes will be out there cheering you on or (participating) in the walk. … It’s just a fun time. (The athletes) enjoy it and we enjoy it.”

The Flash Dash is replacing the traditional Polar Plunge, a five-year tradition where teams dressed up in costumes and jumped into a cold pool in mid-winter.

“We just wanted to try something different this year. We may bring the Polar Plunge back next year,” Oborny said.

Registration by Feb. 20 is $20 and includes a T-shirt. The fee increases to $25 after Feb. 20, and a is not guaranteed.

Registration the day of Flash Dash begins at 6:45 a.m. at 200 W. 13th.  The dash begins at 8 a.m.

For more information or to register, visit the Flash Dash Facebook page HERE or www.heartlandtiming.com.