My 7 year old and I did a color run this summer. It was a first for both of us! I wasn’t really sure what to expect at a color run, so I thought I’d let you all know about my experience so you can be ready for your awesome race.
A color run is messy and colorful. You’ll be throwing colored chalk powder at other runners, even ones you don’t know. Don’t worry, they’ll be doing it to you too.
Definitely protect your eyes with sunglasses:
See how his eyes are the only thing not colored? If you’re not used to running with sunglasses, give it a try beforehand. It’s not as hard as I thought it would be. If you’re really worried, you can buy a strap that holds your sunglasses on – that’s what we used on my 7 year old.
I’d suggest you wear either white or black.
They will let the colored chalk powder show up the best! And make sure it’s something you don’t mind ruining. The color mutes in the washer, but it doesn’t wash out all the way.
Your chalk will most likely come in a plastic bag (You can see it in my hand in the above picture). The volunteers will have scissors. Snip the edge of the bag so you can pour. If you try to take a handful to throw, I’ll make a big mess, your hands will get stained, and no one else will get splashed with color. It’s better to throw it straight from the bag.
When your bag is empty, you’ll have to either toss it or carry it across the finish line. Luckily for us, we passed a garbage can on one of the residential streets and we just tossed our bags.
Volunteers will be standing by to cover you with powder. As we came upon a coloring station, I’d yell to them what color I needed and they made sure to douse me good.
After the race, you’ll be dirty.
You’d do well to bring a towel, blanket, or plastic bag to sit on. Dust off as best as you can outside, and then go right in to the shower. 🙂
If you didn’t protect your hair, your scalp will be stained, my friend. But you know what, it’s all part of the fun!
Like the purple scalp? It was a little embarrassing being out in public later that day. 😉
If you missed it, read this article on what to expect on race day. A color run is a race, after all. So you’ll encounter these same things.