As the days grow shorter and the leaves turn from green to orange this October, The Color Run will once again brighten Oklahoma City streets before the final descent into winter.
This year, The Color Run Tropicolor World Tour 2016 marks the fifth anniversary of The Color Run. Since its inception, the organization has tripled its growth, hosting more than 225 events in more than 35 countries last year alone.
The runs Oklahoma stop, set for Oct. 1, marks its third in the metro. Last years run drew in over 5,000 participants.
At The Color Run, we are about running, walking, skipping, dancing and even crawling to the finish line, said Shombree Jackson, Color Run representative. We hope that this event will get you out there and active all while having fun with friends and family.
The beginning
Runners set off at 8 a.m. from Remington Park, 1 Remington Place. As is typical with color runs, participants begin the 5-kilometer, untimed run in white clothing. By the end, thousands are doused in a veritable rainbow of colors. The Tropicolor Zone is a new addition this year and bathes all who pass through its palm trees, arches and island-style music in a tropical array of colors and island scents.
Jackson said that the material used in the color powder thrown on runners is safe.
Our bright colors are a combination of cornstarch, baking soda and FD&C dyes, Jackson said. As with any substance, you want to keep it out of your eyes, and our certified color throwers make sure to aim low as you pass by.
Some Color Runners opt to wear glasses or goggles for their eyes and use a bandana or dust mask for their mouths, Jackson added.
Each Color Runner receives a limited-edition Tropicolor race shirt, a finishers medal, an embroidered headband and temporary tattoos. Those wishing to avoid lines on the day of the event can attend The Color Runs check-in party 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 30 at Kohls, 7401 SE 29th St., in Midwest City to pick up their kits early.
Community focus
In addition to providing fun and exercise, The Color Run also helps raise funds for local charities.
We partner with a local or national charity at every event. The Color Runs No. 1 goal, as it relates to charity, is to increase cause awareness, Jones said.
The Color Run has donated more than $5 million to charity to date.
We hope to shine a light on the amazing work our charity partners do within the community and society, Jones said.
This years OKC partner is Oklahoma Zoological Society (ZOOfriends). Created in 1954, ZOOfriends supports and promotes The Oklahoma City Zoo as well as its four purposes of education, conservation, zoological research and recreation. The organization achieves this through membership drives, annual fundraising, capital campaigns, marketing, special events and public relations.
Registration is free-$54.99. Visit thecolorrun.com and zoofriends.org.
Print headline: Rainbow rush, The Color Run returns to OKC for some running fun and donates to ZOOfriends.