A cloudless warm day in Seattle makes it the happiest place on the planet on its own. So, what happens when you add the Color Run, which is touted as, “The Happiest 5k on the Planet?” Seattle became the happiest place in the universe! Happy Mother’s Day!
The Color Run is like no run I have ever run, and I am so glad I did it! After running it, I agree with its tagline 100%. It is most definitely, “The Happiest 5k on the Planet!”
I didn’t do much research before running it. I knew I was going to look like a piece of art after running 3.1 miles, and that’s about all I knew. I was pleasantly surprised with all that went on.
We picked up our packet the day before the race, and inside was: a white Color Run T-shirt, a white Color Runner terry headband, a Color Run temporary tattoo and a packet of color, all of which was worn and brought with on race day.
Here is what makes the run so happy (I seriously had a smile on my face the entire morning).
- It’s not timed. No timing chip. No clock. No time. (When I first found this out, I got upset for about a minute, but then I thought, “Ooooh, a real fun run. No pressure whatsoever”).
- We had to wear white. Lots of white. White serves as an easel. White is also the epitome of clean and crisp. And against the blue Seattle sky, all the white was amazing.
Heading to the start
At the start
- There was a variety of people running, and most of the runners didn’t look like runners at all, which made it really cool. There were kids, dogs, and older people. I saw a child skipping at one point, and I followed suit. That’s how relaxed this “race” was.
- People were stopping to ask the police supervising the course to take pictures.
- At each kilometer, the runners are doused with a color (made of non-toxic, edible corn starch and food coloring). At the end of the race, the runners have five different colors on their once white clothes.
Post Finish, but pre color party
- After you cross the finish line, that’s not all, however. You are given your own color packet (you run with it in your hand), and everyone at the finish rips open their packet and throws the color dust in the air (see video up above).
- They had people with leaf blowers at the finish, blowing the excess color off the runners.
It was a huge color party at the finish: color, music, dancing, smiles.
All the color came off pretty easily in the shower, but most of our white clothes now look tie-dyed (which is fine since we didn’t run with any special white clothing. I imagine a bleach wash would get everything out just fine).
My now extremely colorful Brooks Ghost 4's
I highly recommend the Color Run for all level runners (most people walked, danced, skipped). It is not a “race” and not really even a run. It is an experience.
Cities still open for registration (do NOT delay. This sells out fast. I did not include the cities that have sold out)
- Racine, Wisconsin-May 19
- Philadelphia, PA- July 8
- Omaha, Nebraska-July 14
- Richmond, Virginia-July 14
- Columbus, Ohio-July 21
- Indianapolis, Indiana-July 28
- Louisville, Kentucky-July 29
- Boise, Idaho-August 4 (REGISTRATION OPENS SOON)
- Sacramento, CA-August 4
- Grand Rapids, Michigan-August 5
- Colorado Springs, CO-August 11
- Saint Louis, MO-August 18 (REGISTRATION OPENS MAY 15)
- New York City-August 25 & 26-(REGISTRATION OPENS SOON)
- Albuquerque, New Mexico-August 25 (Amy Lavendar Parking, are you running?)
- Birmingham, Alabama-September 3 (labor day, but more importantly my birthday)
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin-September 8th (REGISTRATION OPENS SOON)
- Washington, D.C.-September 22 (REGISTRATION OPENS SOON)
- Portland, OR-September 29
- Memphis, TN-October 13 (REGISTRATION OPENS MAY 15)
- Nashville, TN-October 20 (REGISTRATION OPENS MAY 15)
- Miami, FL-October 21
- Charlotte, NC-October 27 (REGISTRATION OPENS SOON)
- San Diego, CA-November 3
- Honolulu, HI-November 3 (REGISTRATION OPENS SOON)
- New Orleans, Louisiana-November 17
- Orlando, FL-December 2 (REGISTRATION OPENS SOON)
- Tampa/St. Pete, FL-December 15
Has your city sold out? Or not open for registration yet? Get on the VIP list to be the first to know if spots open up and/or registration opens.
There is a lot of opportunity to still be a part of the happiest 5k on the planet. Has the Color Run already come and gone in your city? It’s worth driving a bit to experience. Or you can wait until 2013…
Click here for 2013 dates/locations.
Have you run the Color Run yet? Are you signed up?
Does anyone know the coupon code for the So Cal-Pomona run on June 29, 2013?
does anyone know the coupon code for the so cal Pomona run on June 29, 2013? thanks!!
Amazing video! What kind of camera did you use?
Thanks! GoPro Hero.
Do children have to pay to run with their parents?
Is there a coupon code for the Roanoke,Va location?
Does anyone know if there is a coupon code for the October Charlotte, NC Run??
is there a promo code for the color run in baltimore?
thanks!!!
Does anyone know a promo code for Grand Rapids. MI
If you’re looking for a Promo Code for The Color Run use this one for The Color Run LA – FUNPROMO
Hi everyone! looks like an amazing run!
I was wondering if any of you guys know where can i get this powder paint?
I have been looking like crazy but cant find anything yet!
this is my email : eduardo_ea90@hotmail.com
If any of you could answer me would be really nice!
Thanks a lot
Does anyone know what you get in the color run packet?
also does anyone know how much it cost to be in the race?
Skye: in the packet you get:
-a white color run t-shirt
-a white color run terry headband
-a Packet of color to throw in the air at the finish
-a color run temporary tattoo
-race number (although untimed, used for finding photos of you)
It costs from $40-$50 for an individual (depending on how early you register) and $35-$50 per/person for a team of 4.
I hope this information helped!
does anyone know where i can find a coupon code for the color run 5k memphis??
I haven’t seen any, but will keep my eyes open!
Does the color come out?
It came off my skin very easily in the shower. If you apply sunscreen before the run, it will come off even easier. It all came out of my hair no problem as well. Our clothes look tie dyed. But, we ran in the color shirt they gave us, so it became a true color run t-shirt after, which I love! If I wanted to get it out, I am sure it would come out with a bleach or oxi-clean wash. Tip: just don’t wear expensive or special clothes you absolutely do not want to get color on. No matter what, the run is worth it.
Its like Fraggel Rock! Great footage. I felt like I was there, and I especially loved the lens cleaning in between-ha! Looks like a fun race. Perfect motivation to eliminate some baby fat. Thanks for posting!
It was so amazing, Joy. You should definitely do it!
Happiest 5k on the planet!
I AM planning on running! I need to sign up still, but a group of friends already has a team started. I remember when I first heard of it there were only about 10 cities and I was super bummed. They’ve expanded a lot!
Sign up before it’s too late!