*A few of the commonly questions asked by our fearless Color Runners…
Do I need to be some sweet ole’ runner to do this?
Oh my goodness, NO. There are plenty of other great 5ks out there to test speed and performance. This Color Dash is all about a color crazy day with friends and family. You can run, walk, crawl, or cartwheel it if you wish!
How does a “Color Team” work compared with a solo runner?
Pretty simple, you register as a (4 minimum/infinity max) unit rather than as an individual. You get to pick a groovy custom team name, anything from The Roy G Biv All-stars to Color Me Rad. You then get to run/walk together and “help” each other get really colored up over the 5 color kilometers. There is no “relay” component and team members can finish together as a unit or separately.
What is included with my Color Run registration?
Runners will receive a custom Color Run race shirt, a bag of Color, race number, “Color Runner”TM finisher sweat band, donation to local charity, and Sponsor Goodies.
Do you donate to a charity or cause?
YES, we do. One of our greatest visions for the Color Run is bringing fun, memories, and fundraising to local communities. We select a different local organization for each city. To see the specific charity we use for each city, check out the location’s race page.
Can I run with a jogging stroller and my kids?
On one condition…if you are prepared to be one of the hippest moms/dads on the planet!
Can I run with my dog?
NO DOGS at any of our races 
Is there an age limit for younger runners?
No age limits:) If they can cover (running, jogging, walking, strolling) the 3 miles of Color Run course, they can absolutely do the COLOR RUN!
Is there a packet pick up for the event? How does all that work?
Yes. The exact details of this depend on each city. These packet pick up details are posted to the city race page during the week of the race.
Can someone else pick up my packet for me?
If you fill out a Pick Up Waiver found at the end of the pre-race info document (posted to the city page during the week of the race), someone else can bring your completed waiver and grab that packet to give to you.
How strict is the “white clothing dress code” for the start of the event?
We will have white clothing police inspectors located throughout the event. You will be arrested and put in Color Run jail if more than 11.8% of your person is a hue other than white.
Were you kidding about the question above?
Yes we were. As long as runners wear shirts that are mostly white, you are totally good. They can include team logos and any other image you see fit. Shorts/pants don’t need to be white unless it is after labor day. To the point… It is really just more fun to “Color Run” starting in white and ending well…. COLORIFFIC !!!!!
How is the color administered? Will I be hurt, maimed, or killed?
Ha ha ha! we love this one. No, it doesn’t hurt at all. It is like getting into a powdered sugar food fight.
You are sure??? Teenagers with paint ball guns are not involved at any point?
Yes. We are 100% sure.
Will the Color ruin clothes or running shoes?
The “color” does mostly wash out after the event. As with anything dirty, the sooner you wash it the better. We suggest wearing items that you wouldn’t mind getting colorful. If you would like to preserve the color in your running shirt, spray it with vinegar and iron it before you wash it. For FULL color cleaning ideas and tips, check THIS LINK out!
Do the kilometer “Color Zones” affect runner vision? Or breathing?
The Color Run explosions are basically food grade cornstarch and are 100% natural and SAFE. 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. As shown on the “about” page the middle lane is the “low color lane,” which offers a “lighter” color experience. In summary: We work pretty hard to make it so our precious “Color Runners” get as much or as little color on them as they like.
Do you have “cleaning stations” at the finish after party?
We have air blown color cleaning at the finish line. With a good dusting off, you aren’t 100% clean, but you are totally good for the drive home. It is actually pretty fun to see people still colored up around town after The Color Run event. It is like a badge of honor!
How does the color affect the inside of cars?
Most people bring some towels for the insides of their cars, just in case. It’s like driving home from the swimming pool in your swimsuit:)
Can spectators attend the post-race Color Run party?
Absolutely. We will have Color Run powder packets available first come/first serve for everyone to purchase. You may want to warn them though… they ain’t coming out of the Color Run party clean!
Are cameras and phones safe to have in the color zones?
Our race photographers are totally fine shooting from a medium distance (25-50 feet). If you want to get shots right in the midst of the color we recommend covering cameras/phones with plastic wrap.
Is the Color Run timed?
The Color Run is not a timed event. Runners tend to take their sweet time out there and we realized no one really cares about their Color Run speed:) We suggest self-timing for anyone desiring a finish time.
How do the post-race color throws work?
At the Finish Festival, the crowd will do a color throw every 15 minutes to welcome new runners coming in. We provide one bag of color in your race bag and more can be purchased at check-in or the finish if desired.
Are there refunds?
Unfortunately, we cannot issue refunds for the Color Run. The logistics of setting up and planning the event make it impossible. Just 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, pick up your Color Run gear, and say hi to us!
How do I transfer my registration to another person?
Go to myevents.active.com and login to your account. Choose the option “Transfer registration to another athlete” and then enter the email address of the person you are transferring it to. Or click on the link in your registration confirmation email that says “transfer to someone else” and it will prompt you to put the email address in for the person you are transferring it to. Once they claim their registration, it will refund your payment (minus the $3.95 processing fee that active.com keeps) and ask the person receiving the transfer to pay the registration cost. Transferring will be available up until a week before the race.
Can I transfer my registration from one city to another city?
Unfortunately we don’t have a way of transferring your registration from one city to another. But what you can do is transfer your registration to another runner (see instructions above). Then you can register for the city you WANT to run in!
What if I have a super sweet question that isn’t answered here?
Please email info@thecolorrun.com and we will hook you up with an answer. If your question is awesome enough, we might even publish it right here on the official Color Run FAQS page.