The Third Annual Color Run once again painted Los Angeles this past Saturday. The unique event, known as “The Happiest 5K on the Planet,” brings together thousands of jubilant runners (or walkers!) for a celebration of healthiness, happiness, and individuality. The Color Run is aptly named for the vibrant colors of paint that are sprayed on the gleeful participants as they hit milestones throughout the course. The result? A very colorful crowd of fun-loving people of all ages, sizes, and colors.
Now in its third year, the Color Run was founded in 2012 by Travis Snyder. The Utah native saw an opportunity to encourage health, happiness, and individuality in a positive and fun way — outside of the pressure of competition or level of athletic ability. Thousands upon thousands of people have caught that vision and the run has become the single largest event in the United States. In 2013, The Color Run hosted more than 170 events in over 30 countries.
The Los Angeles run featured two waves of enthusiastic participants – one for the early birds at 8:00 AM and a second for the heat-lovers at 1:00 PM. Throughout the day, more than 16,000 happy faces frolicked around Dodger Stadium under a cloud of purple, blue, yellow, orange and pink. While not racing, the joyful group pounded on drums laced with multi-colored powder, danced to music coming from center stage, and took pictures through the large kaleidoscope — the theme of this year’s circuit — The Kaleidoscope Tour.
Even more than a day of fun, the Color Run gives back to local and national charities. The sheer magnitude of participants provides a captive audience to present local, national, and global organizations and The Color Run and its participants are quick to do their part to help. The Color Run partners with charities to not only highlight the amazing work they tirelessly support but also to raise donations which now total more than $3 million shared with 80 local and national groups since the inception of the run in 2012.
With a smile on his face, Race Director, Louis Wills shared, “I love this event because of how much it really gives back to the community, charities, and the participants. It’s really just about fun and not having to think about anything else.”
A novel concept, right? We could also use a little more color in our lives. Don’t miss the next Color Run coming to a city near you.
Article by Steffi Ewing
The Color Run Los Angeles, Ca produced by Nestor Colombo on Vimeo.
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