May 12, 2026

On April 4, Fox Road Elementary School held its annual Color Run jog-a-thon. At the start of the run, teachers, dressed in blow-up costumes, began the event with a walk-up song. Music played in the background, and the entire student body took to the course, marked with inspirational messages posted throughout. Students were free to run or walk during the 30-minute event. Opportunities abounded for everyone to earn prizes, including t-shirts, bandanas, sunglasses, and more.

As a color run, parent volunteers sprayed participants with colors as they ran by. Students who did not want to be sprayed could stray outside the course when they passed by.

As a jog-a-thon, the Fun Run isn’t just all fun and games, but represents an important part of the Parent-Teacher Club’s fundraising efforts, supporting field trips and classroom activities, school leadership work and support for state testing.

Through word of mouth, collections, and now with an online app, the Parent-Teacher Club has made it easier than ever to reach out to families and raise funds leading up to the event. Using text, email and social media, Fox Road families spread the word and cast a wide net, catching contributions from friends and relatives. Different levels of individual and school-level prizes kept the momentum going. This year, the whole school earned extra recess, a free t-shirt, and sunglasses. Top classes receive a yogurt party; top earners will enjoy a special lunch; top earners in each class get to spray their teachers with color; and, with the overall goal surpassed, the principal will kiss a pig!

After the fundraising finishes, the run itself becomes a great celebration of students, families and Fox Road Elementary. “There is such a great, ‘champion spirit’ during fundraising and at the event. Classes and teachers compete with each other and encourage students,” Principal Jeff Persons said.

This year, Fox Road Elementary School’s Color Run fundraiser surpassed $20,000, a new record.

“We are especially thankful to our parent volunteers and community partners who make it such a wonderful event. Parents help set up, the City of Hughson provides barricades, and many families come out to help spray color or provide water and popsicles during and after the event. We love having families cheer on their children,” Persons said. “Our PTC is able to provide many meaningful experiences to our students through this fundraiser. Fourth grade travels to Colombia, and fifth grade takes a trip to Sacramento, visiting the Capitol and museums. They also support great activities like our incredible Valentine's Lunch and our end-of-the-year barbecue. They support teachers, staff, and the classrooms throughout the year, and we are always overwhelmed by their appreciation and generosity.”