November 18, 2012 
I only found out about The Color Run earlier this year. I’m not sure how long it’s being going on but it’s certainly popular now! I registered for The Color Run in Charlotte the day it opened and later that day all 3 waves had already sold out.
After my marathon, I swore that there would be no running unless it was a “fun run” and The Color Run is certainly that. There are no timing chips or competition to speak of at all, and walkers and children are welcomed and encouraged. Because of that (and it’s billing as the “Happiest 5k on the Planet”), it seems to attract primarily women. It was fun to be at a sporting event dominated by about 90% women and to have a focus on just having fun, rather than on the run.
The color is dyed corn starch, so it safe to eat and/or get on your skin. And I found that the color washed off pretty easily with a good scrubbing, although I’m still finding color in my ears.
I hadn’t ran in months and had actually planned on walking most of it, but with brisk winds in 40 degree temps, running seemed to be a better way to get warm. I jogged through the first color station, blue, not realizing that with the wind as it was, I would have to practically stop in front of the color throwers to get anything on me. I came out of the blue station completely clean.
I rectified this during the yellow, red, and orange stations, almost coming to a dead stop so that I could get a little color on me. As you can see from my photo, I managed to still be pretty clean by the end. I suspect that the fabric of my shirt, a synthetic “long underwear” top, didn’t want to grab the dye as easily as plain ol’ 100% cotton.
After I was finished, I watched a “color festival” from afar, watching the participants throw their color all at once. I had left my phone in the car for fear it would get damaged or dropped but seeing the color festival was actually the coolest part of the day. I joined in for the next festival, standing next to someone who held a green color packet, which accounts for why my face was completely green by the end of the day.
So I guess I was hoping to be a bit more colorful by the end of the day but choice in wardrobe and pretty serious winds kept me mostly clean. I saw some people just rolling in the color; I guess I could have always chosen that option. Either way, a fun way to spend a Saturday morning, especially if you have a group of girlfriends that are willing to get a little colorful.
So what about you? Done The Color Run or the Color Me Rad? Or another fun run?
I did the Color Run in Chicago this year. What a great time! A few friends and I took a road trip out there (We live in southeastern Michigan) and spent the weekend. We’re definitely doing it again next year, just not sure which city.
I’ve had a lot of friends do this. It looks like so much fun.
You should totally do it too!
I did the colour run in Boston last year and have signed up for Rochester, NY this year! Can’t wait. Love your wicked witch look. I came out looking a little like candy floss gone crazy! Adding another fun run to 2013 – have you heard of the FireFly run? Comes in 5 and 10 K options. Not a runner myself, so the 5K will make me happy! Too much fun for words! You are right on the cotton option…mucho colour this way! http://traveldestinationbucketlist.com/2012/08/01/the-color-run-new-england/