The Color Run

Philadelphia, PA

 July 8, 2012 

Distance: 5K

Time: Irrelevant 

There's a reason that this race is referred to as "the happiest 5K on the planet". 

The reason - your finishing time doesn't matter,  it's more of a relaxing jog than a run AND there's a giant rave-like post celebration featuring house music and clouds of color. 

Before

After.
Compliments of the very talented Michael W. Mafodda

For anyone who's scared to do a 5K, this is a great starter but don't be fooled, no other 5k is quite as fun. Our morning was particularly sticky and crowded - 20,000 turnout!

 I had sweat through my sports bra before my wave crossed the start line. All that moisture proved to be necessary 1K down the road when we reached our first color stop

[Color stop= a section of volunteers with water bottles filled with powdered paint, resembling Gulaal paint which is used in the Indian Holi (Spring festival) celebrations] where we entered a cloud of pink and exited with our first hint of color. 

The Color Run features a different color stop every kilometer throughout the race. That's 5 color stops for those of you who are mathematically challenged. No one finishes looking as they started and the only white crossing the finish line are the smiles of every participating individual. 

A sea of white. 

Entering yellow.

Michael W. Mafodda. All Rights Reserved.

Michael W. Mafodda. All Rights Reserved. 

So brighten up that boring running routine of yours and run the rainbow!