What"s in the Color Run Colored Powder?

The Color Run also known as the "Happiest 5K on the Planet" is known for it's fun factor and also for its colored powders thrown at participants as they make their way through this untimed 5K themed fun run.

While those who are familiar with the primarily Hindu festival of Holi, the spring festival also known as the festival of colors or the festival of love, will be use to the explosion of colors.

The Color Run even states on it's website that it drew inspiration from, "Disney’s World of Color, Paint Parties, Mud Runs, and festivals throughout the world such as Holi." For the rest of the world The Color Run can be a whole new experience leaving many to wonder what exactly is in those colors they throw at participants during a run. 

What's in The Color?

This colorful array of powder thrown at participants is actually food grade 100% natural corn starch. The same corn starch that is used as a thickener to make gravies and soups at Thanksgiving and all other cooking endeavors. Only this cornstarch is colored and thrown at participants at each kilometer along the 5K course. If you wanted to you could eat it, but not recommended!

 

Tips for the Color Run

The Color Run might be the happiest 5k on the planet but to make a race that much better there are a few tips to help make the event the best it can be. 

1. It's NOT a Race. Have fun, do it with some buddies. There is no award at the end other than being a colorful mess.

 

 

2. Wear Eye Protection. Even though you can eat the color as it is food grade corn starch it's still something to avoid getting in your eyes. For those with contact lenses or those hearing impaired opt for full eye protection in the form of goggles for swimming or skiing. For most a pair of cheap sunglasses will be more than enough protection from the clouds of color. 

 

3. Wear White. Part of the fun of the color run is having your shirt as a memento after the race is complete. The Color Run suggests, "If you would like to preserve the color in your running shirt, spray it with vinegar and iron it.  If you wash your shirt….the color will eventually come out." They also provide full cleaning tips especially for The Color Run color. 

 

4. Driving Home. While a little color never hurt anyone for most after the race is done a change of clothing is a good idea. If there is nowhere to change post race a couple beach towels draped over seat cushions will ensure that your car doesn't have a lasting mark from the happiest race on the planet. 

 

5. It's NOT a Race. While it was stated above it's good to remember Color Run is not a race, but is the perfect event to do as a family since all ages are welcome to run. Although kids over 6 years old are required to have a bib. 

 

The Color Run color might be a mystery at first to many but in reality it's nothing more than an item you already have in your kitchen but way more fun!