The Color Run will be making its second stop in Tuscaloosa this weekend, allowing students and the Tuscaloosa community another chance to be doused in colored corn starch and to participate in the self-proclaimed “Happiest 5k on the Planet.”
The event will be held at Munny Sokol Park Saturday.
Kelsey Colglazier, liaison between The Color Run and the Tuscaloosa community, said she believes the run is an event anyone can enjoy, regardless of age or fitness.
“It’s such a great quality of life event,” Colglazier said. “It encourages people who typically wouldn’t come out for a 5k to come out and do something fun.”
For the event, runners are encouraged to wear all-white T-shirts or a provided Color Run T-shirt. As runners reach each of the “Color Run Zones,” they are covered with dyed cornstarch from race volunteers and staff.
The Color Run was first held in Tuscaloosa last year and saw a large turnout from Univeristy of Alabama students.
Alaina Boukedes, a sophomore majoring in journalism and theater, participated in The Color Run’s Tuscaloosa debut. Boukedes said she was motivated to participate in the run after having seen videos of people going through it.
“It looked like a good time. Although I didn’t run as much, it was awesome to be a part of such a big event,” Boukedes said. “I would love to do it again.”
Anthony Bombik, a junior majoring in aerospace and mechanical engineeing, will be participating in the run for the first time this year and said he is looking forward to trying a new type of 5k race.
“I’ve never run in a Color Run before, but I like unique run challenges,” Bombik said. “Last semester I did the Krispy Kreme challenge and am looking forward to adding this to my running resume.”
Bombik said he chose to participate in The Color Run this year because he thinks it will be an especially energetic race.
“I have always loved running, but the paint and people cheering you on is a nice feature that makes The Color Run unique and fun,” Bombik said.
The run is open to all levels of runners, from beginner to advanced. Participants also have the option to walk instead of run. Colglazier said one aspect that sets The Color Run apart from other races is the non-competitive part of it.
“The Color Run focuses so much on the fun aspect of the event that you don’t even realize you’re walking three miles,” Colglazier said.
The event also features post-run activities such as the “Finish Festival,” which celebrates all of the participants crossing the finish line.
“It goes on for a good hour, if not two hours, after everyone’s done running and it’s just a fun time,” Colglazier said. “They’ve got music going, more colors being thrown. They’re throwing out Color Run goodies. It’s kind of a celebration at the end that people kind of stick around for.”
Registration for The Color Run costs $45 per solo runner or $40 per each person on a team. Those interested in participating can enter the code, “ColorTTown13” for a $5 registration discount. To find out more about packet pickup, registration or for additional information, visit thecolorrun.comTuscaloosa.
