Staying Positive, the Colorful Way

I am so not a runner—I’d rather hike five miles up a mountain than run one mile on a flat road—which is why I usually don’t pay much attention to announcements for the many 5K and 10K races in this area. I’m happy to donate if a friend or coworker is running for charity but that’s the extent of my interest. 

Then I heard about The Color Run, a 5K that’s just right for anyone who is a positive thinker, or wants to be more of one. Why do I say that? Because this run will brighten your outlook. Literally.

You don’t even have to be a runner. Anyone is welcome: adults, kids, babies in strollers. As the race FAQs put it, “You can run, walk, crawl or cartwheel it if you wish!” The only requirements are that you wear a white shirt at the starting line and be ready to look totally tie-dyed at the finish.

How does that work? Volunteers along the 5K course shower you with color dust (cornstarch-based, so it’s safe). There’s a different “color zone” for each kilometer—1K is yellow, 2K is blue, 3K is green, 4K is pink and the finish is multi-colored madness.

That’s how you end up “beautiful like a rainbow,” as Cyndi Lauper might sing (sorry, couldn’t resist a musical reference to my ’80s childhood). Watch this video of the Color Run and see for yourself.

Doesn’t this sound like the most fun run ever? Just the thought of crossing the finish line in a huge explosion of color makes me break out into a smile. Color me happy!

The Color Run is happening in cities all over the country (check locations here). And just in case you need some more positive motivation, a portion of the proceeds of each race goes to a local charity. If a city near you isn’t on the list, there’s a similar 5K, Color Me Rad, which sounds like the Color Run’s cheekier cousin.

Ready to color yourself happy? On your mark, get set, go!