Close to 200 people laced up their running shoes to join in the Hebrew High School of New England’s inaugural 5K Unity Color Run, which took off recently from the school’s Zachs Campus in West Hartford.

“With so much going on around the world that divides us as people, we wanted to create an opportunity to celebrate what unites us,” said event chairperson Karen Goldberg. “It was a fun, exciting way to make an important statement and enjoy each other’s company, together as a community. Based on the extremely positive feedback, we are looking forward to building on our success and making the event even more special next year.”

Wearing white t-shirts, runners were showered along the course with colored powder made of food-grade cornstarch. By the time they reached the finish line, they were covered with a multitude of colors that race organizers called “representative of the vibrant nature of our diverse Greater Hartford community.”

CAP: HHNE freshman Simi Clapman and junior Noa Goldberg at the finish line.