A History: The COLORAMA RUN/WALK



Kris and John Maki - Planning Colorama on an Hawaiian Beach

The following is a history of the Colorama Run/Walk at Lapham. It is written by Kris Maki, original and still, race director. Kris’s dedication and perseverance over the years is amazing. She also is the race director for the Lapham Loppet XC Race and the Wednesday night ski racing series. I was there for the first Colorama Run/Walk where I gave a pole running clinic (photo below - Sandy Sugden listens intently). If anyone would have wanted to wager that Kris would still be running this event 19 years from then, I’d have bet against it in a second, since from my own experience I knew the work and pressure involved in running that kind of an event. Yet here Kris is, 19 years later, still at it and still a big smile on her face. (Lee Borowski)

(The following is in Kris's words.) The Lapham Peak Colorama Run/Walk was conceived as a fundraiser for the 1989 Lights for Lapham Peak project. As a runner and skier, this wannabe race director had participated in scores of events and had definite criteria in mind to plan a quality event.

One, the t-shirts would never be cheap or white; the Colorama Run has always had quality, colored long-sleeved t-shirts.

Two, the event would be held on the ski/hiking trails to appeal to the skiers training in the off season (we even had a running with poles class…to be revived this year) and to alleviate soreness caused by running on hard roads.

Three, the timing would be accurate and completed in a timely manner. (We modeled our first race after the Waunakee Race and Otter Run which had boards on which the runners pull tags were placed, ensuring everyone knew where he or she had placed. Now we have Chip Timing)

Four, it would be a family-oriented event, appealing to runners, walkers, and children. We offer a 5K and 10K run, a 4K walk and a 1K Smokey Bear Fun Run for kids. We are accessible to wheel chairs and allow dogs on leashes. We have had scavenger hunts, birthday cake for Smokey and fresh-baked goods and grilled brats from Lapham Peak Friends members.

Five, winners receive quality, custom-designed awards in five year age categories.

Six, free drawings would help keep people around for the awards and give a reward for some of the non-runners. This year we are pleased to offer an $1100 ski package, generously donated by Joe Gollinger of Chi-Town Sports. Other prizes include art prints and a night at Olympia Resort. Seven, our entry fees would remain as low as possible while still being the major fundraiser for Lapham Peak State Park.

Every year this race director has been encouraged by the numerous repeat racers and walkers who return wearing their favorite t-shirt. The Lapham Peak Friends have volunteered to run the four water stops on the trail, bake goods for the feeding frenzy after the race, and register, guide, and help time entrants. Many sponsors have been loyal to the event for the entire duration of its existence; others have come on board, eager to have their logo in a leaf on the sleeve.

2007 marks the 19th Annual event. Over the years Colorama has raised money for lighted ski trails, a paved handicapped accessible trail, bluebird and prairie restoration projects, windmill restoration, ski trail groomers, wildlife programs, and amenities to the park and shelters.