Color Splash 5K benefits concussion testing for athletes; carpal tunnel screening available

King’s Daughters Orthopaedics and Marshall Orthopaedics are sponsoring the 4 ^th annual Color Splash 5K on Saturday, June 11 in Central Park. The run, which is not timed, begins at 8:30 a.m. by the concession stand at the end of Chuck Woolery Boulevard.

Proceeds from the race benefit King’s Daughters free community baseline concussion testing for local high school athletes. The course, which will be well-marked, is flat with long straightaways through downtown Ashland. Runners should wear white to experience the full effect of the colors.

“We’re expecting about 1,500 runners, walkers and families,” said sports medicine physician Andy Gilliland, M.D., who coordinates the run. “Everyone should be ready to have fun and get splashed head to toe with colored dye at the beginning, during and at the finish!”

The entry fee is $15 if pre-registered before June 11. Day of race registration is $20. Race day registration will begin at 7 a.m. and end promptly at 8 a.m. Pre-registration packets will be available from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 10 at King’s Daughters Outpatient Services Center, 480 23^rd St. T-shirts are guaranteed to the first 500 registered. To register online at tristateracer.com, click here.

As a new addition, the public is invited to free carpal tunnel screenings when pre-race packets are available to runners on June 10. No appointment is necessary.

About King’s Daughters concussion testing: Concussion is one of the most serious and prevalent medical problems facing high school athletes. As part of its ImPACT Program, King’s Daughters offers free baseline testing to high school and college athletes, funded in part by the annual Color Splash 5K.

The testing provides information regarding the severity of injury and a standard for evaluating recovery. Although concussion is a common injury, it is often difficult to diagnose and treat. Baseline testing allows physicians to establish a starting point for each athlete, which allows them to diagnose changes to brain function, reaction time, vision, motor skills and balance.

ImPACT can help take the guesswork out of concussion management and promote safe return-to-play decisions.

Testing is offered for high-impact athletes at universities and high schools including Paul G. Blazer, Russell, Boyd County, Fairview, Elliott County, East Carter, West Carter, Ironton, South Point, Rock Hill, Dawson Bryant and Kentucky Christian University.