At first, the Color Run may seem like your average 5K run at first glance. But there is something unique about this race to the finish: the runners, required to wear white head to toe, are sprayed in color for a fantastically coated finish.

Each kilometer of the run, volunteers and staff spray runners with a different color. The first is yellow, the second blue, the third green, the fourth pink, and the last kilometer is every color imaginable, in what staff calls a “Color Extravaganza.” And there is no real running required, no time limit, and no pressure to finish. The more important idea is that the runners complete the race with friends and family, while getting tie-dyed with a magical color dust. The dust comes out of clothes more than half the time, and is safe in case you swallow it.

Early registration is $40.00, and the price goes up as it gets closer to the race. With a 4 person Color Team, the price decreases to $35.00. Registration is open to people of all ages, even for the youngest children that can’t yet walk. Pushing strollers and wheelchairs is allowed, as long as the person can cross the finish line at the end of the 3.1 miles and they wear a white t-shirt. Team members and volunteers encourage everyone to have fun, no matter their running experience in the first place.

A large majority of this money goes to a local charity that makes a difference in the city. Because of this, the charity changes for each city. For example, the Color Run in Philadelphia on July 8 supports Back on my Feet, an organization dedicated to help the homeless and other underserved populations by building confidence, strength, and self-esteem to help them support themselves instead of hunting down food and shelter.

In Kansas City, Missouri, the charity is Ronald McDonald House Charity of Kansas City, which focuses on creating, finding, and supporting programs to improve the health of children. In San Francisco, California, the charity is Best Buddies, a volunteer organization that helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities build friendships and find employment.

The Color Run is touring all over the United States, into over thirty cities from the east to the west coast, even with a stop in Honolulu, Hawaii. Each of these events raises thousands of dollars to support their local charities and encourage people to be active and have fun.

Image Courtesy of   http://thecolorrun.com

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About the author

Katlyn Slough
Studying all kinds of Writing at Rowan University. In love with writing and communication. Hoping to see the world someday, and probably write about it.

2 Comments for The Color Run Promotes Fun and Charity

Jackson

Hey Katlyn,
Thanks for writing about The Color Run. There is one coming close to you on Aug. 25th and 26th in New York City. You should definitely check it out!

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Laura

I’m sorry but that was so poorly written. I am not the commenting type but wow that was just wow.

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