As part of a trend, people gather to run while having colored powder thrown or squirted at them.
This event, popularly known as The Color Run, has grown better known throughout the world.
According to its website thecolorrun.com, the first color run was held in March 2011, and worked to promote healthiness and happiness.
Since the original color run, many different organizations have started their own versions of the tour.
One organization that has joined in is Kappa Kappa Gamma.
Kappa Kappa Gamma hosts a color run on campus, this year being the third.
“It’s a fun way to exercise and do something good for your body,” said Adair Broome, sophomore in industrial engineering and color run participant.
During the event, participants run or walk their race as normal, but at each kilometer Kappa Kappa Gamma sisters throw colored powder at them and encourage them to keep going.
“As a rookie color runner, I was a bit surprised at how the powder got all in my eyes and face,” Broome said.
Some might hear of this fad and wonder why others would want to have powder thrown in their face and on their bodies, and the answer is simple — to have fun.
The difference between a color run and a normal 5k, according to Sarah Shute, junior in microbiology and Kappa Kappa Gamma philanthropy chairman, is the atmosphere.
Shute said color runs are not timed, giving the race a more relaxed feel.
She also said with the help of music and cheering, runners feel like they can have fun and not feel pressured.
“It’s not about who’s the fastest,” said Ellie Porter, freshman in communication disorders and color run participant. “You just start out with a white T-shirt and see how many colors you can get.”
Broome and Porter both said because the run is not timed, it gives the event a more social aspect because one can walk with family or friends.
“It’s a fun way to promote healthy living, and you don’t have to worry about trying to get a certain time,” Porter said.
Broome and Porter said color runs are different than normal races because even those who put on the event were involved.
“Everyone was involved, even if they weren’t running, they were squirting us with color and cheering for us,” Broome said.
Another reason color runs seemed to be an instant hit is because of the pictures participants can take.
“The social media aspect definitely plays a role,” Shute said. “You take such good pictures when you’re covered in paint.”
Porter and Broome agreed and said one of the reasons they chose to participate was because of the pictures they had seen others post.
“The Instagram opportunity is hard to pass up,” Porter said.
One drawback to color runs, Shute said, is the price.
Because of the materials the event requires, Shute said color runs tend to cost more than $50 per person, which could make them less appealing to some.
Regardless of the price, color runs are held in more than 50 countries, and attract people from all over the world.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
