2025 Charlie Schulz Color Run

Two years ago we participated in the inaugural Charlie Schulz Color Run. Last year we had other plans on the date and were disappointed to not be able to participate. 

We knew Charlie when he was a middle-schooler named Shannon who played the unicorn in "Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe" at Somerset Valley Players. My heart was broken when I learned after Shannon transitioned to Charlie (and seemed to be thriving at TCNJ), he killed himself. Even with the support of family and friends, Trans people have struggles that I cannot understand. All I can do is support others facing similar battles.

The color run is put on by the robotics team at Charlie's high school. It is pretty amazing because none of the students ever met him, and at this point very few of his teachers are still at the school. Still, they hold this run to raise money for the foundation in his name and to raise awareness.

I heard last year's event was bigger than the first year. This year was smaller. It is all student run. Wynn and Elizabeth are there to make a welcome speech and to show their support. They do not organize it. 

Don and I decided to walk it. Well, I decided to walk it, and Don did not argue with me. We did 4.3 laps of .7 miles each to reach 5k. Others walked a loop. Some ran more. It was up to each person. We were the last ones still on the course. Along the way we were doused with colored chalk. It made for a festive look.

Back

Front

Don and I remembered to wear our t-shirts from 2023. The back says: Everything is valid except bullying, invalidity, and pineapple pizza. While I still disagree with the last item on his list, I agree with the other two, and respect Charlie had his opnion.

Elizabeth shared the Board of Ed has a board member spreading rumors that the robotics teachers are grooming the students. My teacher friends assure me if they were grooming students they would start with teaching them to use deodorant. They are teaching them to be accepting of their fellow students and others in the world. Why is that considered a threatening message?

One teacher spoke eloquently about his experiences. He knew from the age of 2 he was gay, but it took until he was 18 to come out gently to his friends and family. This year marked the first time he has been "out more than in." Once he dropped other people's expectations, he felt free. He encouraged anyone struggling that it does get better. I wish Charlie had heard and accepted that message before it was too late.

As a speaker talked about the importance of showing up for others, Elizabeth gently leaned into me. I try to show up for people, but this was one of the few times in my life I felt seen

Fortunately today was not as humid as yesterday, only 66% instead of 88%. 

Hopefully next year they get the word out earlier and stronger so the crowd grows even larger. People need to hear