FAQ

Do I have to be an experienced runner to participate?

Nope. There are plenty of great 5ks out there that test speed and performance. However, The Color Run is a non-competitive and untimed 5k filled with color that you can experience with friends and family. You’re free to run, jog, walk, or cartwheel along the course!

What is included with my registration?

For our Love Tour events, if you purchased a ‘Groovy’, ‘Groovier’, or ‘Far Out’ ticket, you will receive the 2019 limited edition Love Tour Participant Kit complete with a super soft new love tee, unicorn finisher’s medal, Color Runner buff, color packet, reusable bag, and two tattoos!

If you purchased an ‘Indie’ ticket, you will receive entry and bib ONLY. Does NOT include a participant kit and tee shirt.

All runners will be emailed about 10 days prior to the race with information on dates and locations for the Check-In Party!

Is The Color Run a charity or a non-profit organization?

The Color Run, LLC is a for-profit event company. For details on our charity partnerships click here.

What is the inspiration behind The Color Run?

The Color Run was inspired by several awesome events, including Disney’s World of Color, Paint Parties, Mud Runs, and festivals throughout the world such as Holi. We wanted to create a less stressful, untimed running environment that was more about health and happiness than competition. We hope that The Color Run can act as a catalyst to inspire continual healthy living.

Can children participate?

If your child can cover the three miles of The Color Run course (while running, jogging, walking, or strolling), they can absolutely participate!

There are two options for children. The Wild Child Little Color Runners 5 and younger on the registration form. They can register for a super-low fee and get the full participant kit, or choose to register for free without a participant kit.

Can I run with my dog/cat/turtle?

For the safety of our runners and animal friends, we do not allow animals at any of our races.

How do I get my participant kit?

If you bought a ‘Groovier’ or ‘Far Out’ ticket, your participant kit and race bib will be mailed to you before the event, which means you won’t need to check in to the event. Simply show up race morning with your race bib pinned to the front of your shirt, and you’ll be good to go!

For all other ticket types, you’ll want to join us at the Check-In Party. Details will be posted to the city event page during the week of the race. The deets will also be emailed to you approximately 7-10 days before the event. You can also pick up your kit on race morning, but it will be $5 cash to do so.

You can pick up kits for other runners at the Check-in Party as well as race morning as long as you have a printed or electronic copy of their confirmation email with the QR code on it!

Is The Color Run safe?

We conduct thorough testing to ensure the safety of our materials and their application. The health of our participants and employees is always our top priority. As a professional events company with highly vetted policies and processes, we conduct thorough testing to ensure the safety of our materials and their application.

How do the post-race color throws work?

At the Finish Festival, the crowd will be involved in a color throw every 15 minutes to welcome new runners coming in. We provide one bag of color for each runner as you cross the finish line. More packets can be purchased on race day at The Color Run store.

Will the color ruin my clothes or running shoes?

The color mostly washes out after the event. As with anything dirty, the sooner you wash it the better. It’s best to wear items that you wouldn’t mind getting colorful. We suggest washing items you wore to The Color Run separately from your other laundry using Persil ProClean. For FULL color cleaning ideas and tips, check out this link out!

Do you have a cleaning station after the race?

We have air-blown color cleaning at the finish line. With a good dusting off, you won’t be 100% clean, but you’ll be good for the drive home. It’s always fun to see people still colorful around town after The Color Run. It’s like a badge of honor!

Will running through the Color Zones affect my vision or breathing?

Our color powder is all certified non-toxic and free of any heavy metals. Our bright colors are a combination of cornstarch, baking soda, and FD&C (food-safe) dyes. Some Color Runners opt to wear glasses or goggles for their eyes and use a bandana or dust mask for their mouths. Our certified Color Throwers make sure to aim low as you pass by.

Can spectators attend the post-race Finish Festival?

Absolutely. We will have color powder packets available on a first come/first serve basis for everyone to purchase at The Color Run Store.

Is it safe to bring cameras and phones into the Color Zones?

To be totally safe, we always recommend covering cameras/phones with a protective dust wrap. The Color Run is not liable for any damage that might be done to your phone or camera!

Is The Color Run timed?

The Color Run is an untimed event. For anyone who wants a finish time, we suggest self-timing.

Are there refunds?

If an event is held as advertised, we cannot issue refunds. Make sure you are good to go before signing up. If for some reason you can’t make it to race day, at least come to the Check-In Party, pick up your gear, and say hi to us!

For more information on our refund policy, click here.

Can I transfer my registration to another person or another city?

Registrations are non-transferable to another person. If you can’t attend, we can mail you your participant kit for a small shipping fee.

OR, you can transfer your registration to another event as long as the transfer is within the same calendar year, and you’re transferring from an event that hasn’t yet taken place.

Have further questions? Contact us here.

What if I have an ADA need?

If you have an ADA need, please contact us here.

What if I am pregnant?

It’s totally up to you and your doctor. We see a lot of pregnant runners at our races, and they’re the cutest ones out there!

The powder is all certified non-toxic. We recommend wearing sunglasses or goggles, and a bandana over your mouth and nose in the color zones just for extra protection.

What happens if there is bad weather?

A little rain won’t stop The Happiest 5k. It even makes the color brighter! If there are major weather warnings in your city during the weekend of the event, check the city event webpage, and stay tuned for emails with updates.

In the event that severe weather does threaten the event, we have prepared some weather cancellation policies and guidelines. Click here to learn more.

What happens if my child gets lost?

Participants who will be running with children are encouraged to pick up a wristband for their child. You can pick up a wristband at the check-in party and write your name and phone number.

 

What if I have a question that isn’t answered here?

Please click here to contact us and we’ll get back to you with an answer.

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