The Colour Run. It’s been on my Bucket List for as long as I can remember, but something I have never organised myself to do. It was when I saw it being advertised here in Japan that I finally committed to applying.
As the event describes, this is the ‘Happiest 5K’ I have ever participated in. Who knew having paint thrown upon you would be so much fun! I also love the message this event promotes, in that exercise can be fun and enjoyable. You don’t have to be super athletic or competing against the clock, you can just enjoy being with friends and practice being healthy.
Are you interested in participating next time? Here are some of my personal tips for a successful and enjoyable Colour Run;
1: Arrive Early
If you are travelling a long distance like I did, be sure to keep an organised schedule. Plan your itinerary before the day and be sure you know your way around. Aim to arrive around one hour or earlier before your start time. This allows you ample time to check-in, get changed, apply your awesome tattoos and take ‘before’ pictures.
2: Dress Creatively, but Smartly
Japan loves costumes. They also love originality. If I were to participate again, I would definitely consider buying a tutu and ensuring I went all out with colour! Remember you are going to be covered head-to-toe in powder, so it doesn’t matter how ‘tacky’ you might think you look!
On that note, be sure you are wearing something relatively comfortable, but old or cheap. Even though you may not be running, the distance is still five kilometres. Be sure to wear old, comfortable sneakers! Mine are still stained purple from the colour – as are my socks!
Also, bring sunglasses!! Nothing could be worse than getting coloured powder in your eyes!!
3. Sunscreen!!
Thinking of applying those awesome tattoos? Make sure you apply appropriate sunscreen first! It’s always good to be sun-smart, plus you don’t want the word ‘Happy’ branded on your skin for everyone to see (or maybe you do? Totally your call).
4. Pack Only the Essentials
Why? Well, do you really want to take your backpack through coloured powder? If not, consider having just a fanny-pack filled with the basics. This includes;
Bandaids
Phone (with plastic zip-lock bag)
Money
Medication (if needed)
Keep it light, as you’ll be carrying it for the next 5 kilometres! Chances are you will not have access to your other belongings until much later in the day (i.e.: when you are finished at the stage), so be sure to take everything you might need with you.
Do check your event map and make sure there are food and drink stalls available at the end of your 5 kilometres (usually there is, but always best to check and confirm).
5. Enjoy the Happiest 5K on the Planet
That’s right, this one is easy! The Colour Run is not a timed event and running is definitely optional! My friend and I ran some and walked the other. Some only walked and some ran the whole distance. How you complete the 5 kilometres is completely up to you!
At every kilometre there will be a different colour tunnel. As you run, tumble, dance or walk through the tunnel, the volunteers will spray coloured powder all over! Fun, right? Be sure not to keep your mouth open as you run through – or you could end up with coloured teeth!! The powder isn’t poisonous, but isn’t very tasteful either.
6. Hold that Powder
At the end of your 5 kilometres comes the best part. You will be handed a pocket of coloured powder. DO NOT OPEN YET! Instead, join the remainder of the participants at the stage for a final party. The stage hosts will usually announce when the next powder throw will be (for us, it was usually once-twice an hour). This is when you should open your pocket and throw it around – covering yourself and everyone else around you! The result is a great coloured cloud that hovers around the stage. Quite majestic!
I would not take photos of this while participating in the throw – for 30 seconds you cannot see nor breathe normally due to the amount of powder in the air. I would assume it would be therefore toxic for phones during this time!! That being said, be sure to take your ‘after’ photos post-powder throw!
7. Make Sure you Clean-up
As you leave the stage area, you will need to be ‘cleaned’. There are volunteers with big blower vacuums that will effortlessly blow any excess powder from your hair, clothes and skin. While very convenient, I was a little saddened to see most of my colour was blown away. Regardless, this did help when we got changed again.
I used wet wipes to help get most of the colour off my skin. However, not all could disappear. My hands were a nice reddish-purple for the next day! If you are thinking of taking a car to this event, be sure to bring an old towel to cover your seats. Nothing would be more frustrating than having that colour stain your car!
Really, if you don’t follow these tips, you will still be guaranteed to have a great time! If you have anything I have missed, please leave a comment. If The Colour Run is not on your Bucket List, I would be surprised. Who doesn’t want to get messy with colour, while exercising and having fun with your friends? It’s a recipe for entertainment!!
Hope to see some of you at the next Colour Run!!
