Get your runners and cameras ready. The hugely popular Color Run, the single largest event series in the United States, will make its way to Canada. This isn’t your typical run. Runners (of all ages, sizes and fitness levels) begin at the start line donned in all-white clothing and finish covered in a rainbow of colours. Each kilometre, a different shade of powder fills the air, covering the runners. The Color Run is the first of its kind and celebrates health, happiness and individuality. It also makes for great photo ops, with both the air and runners filled with vivid colour combinations by the time they hit the finish line.
Travis Snyder founded the 5k paint race event series in 2012, creating a new genre of running event that brings the community together to celebrate life and raise funds and awareness for an assortment of local charities.
“The Color Run is all about having fun and healthy living, while giving back to local charities,” said Snyder. “The event brings the community together and creates energy so positive it’s contagious. Our mantra is Be Happy. Be Healthy. Be You.”
Over 60 per cent of ‘Color Runners’, as participants are called, are first-time 5k runners and participate as a celebration and capstone of their healthy living accomplishments. Since its debut in January 2012, participation for The Color Run has exploded, with more than 1.5 million ‘likes’ on Facebook, and has been featured on Today, O: The Oprah Magazine, CNN and the Wall Street Journal. Last year The Color Run visited more than 50 cities with more than 600,000 participants. This year, the run will launch more than 100 events with an estimated 1 million participants.
The Color Run will take place in London, ON, on Saturday, August 17th, Ottawa, ON, on Saturday, August 25th and Vancouver, BC, on Saturday, September 14th. Solo runner/walker cost is $50 (early entry fee). Team runners and walkers cost is $45. To register, or for more details, click here.
Photo courtesy The Color Run