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FAQ's

The Color Run

What is the inspiration behind The Color Run?

The Color Run is a 5K-style event with multiple obstacles and a festive finish‑line party featuring food, music, and entertainment. It’s about fun, not competition.

The Color Run is not a race measured by time. Participants go at their own pace and enjoy the course and after‑party.

Yes — spectators are generally welcome to watch and enjoy the party area.

Registration

We offer two registration tiers for participants.

Value Registration ($24.95): Race Bib, Finisher Medal, Color Powder Pack, and Post-Race Color Throw Party!

VIP Registration ($44.95): Race Bib, Finisher Medal, Color Powder Pack, Event Shirt, Drawstring Bag, Sunglasses, and Post-Race Color Throw Party!

Packet pick-up (PPU) is available the day before the event from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Most events also allow same‑day packet pick‑up for a small fee at the venue.

Please note that events use wave start times, which are scheduled at 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, and 10:00 AM. Your assigned wave is shown on your confirmation email, and you typically check in 30–45 minutes before your start time.

Yes, registrations are transferable to another person. 

You can transfer to any new event of your choosing or you can keep the credit to use in the future.

All registrations are final and non-refundable. However, we are happy to help you keep your color options open! You can easily transfer your ticket to another scheduled event, or keep the credit to use for a future race.

If an event is postponed or cancelled, registered participants can transfer to any new event of their choosing or they can keep the credit to use in the future. They don’t have to wait till next season.

Color Safety & Cleaning

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.
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.

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.

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!
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 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!

General

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!

Solo racers must be at least 14 years old. Kids aged 7–13 can run if accompanied by an adult/guardian.

Yes! You’re welcome to bring strollers or wagons to The Color Run. Just keep in mind they might get colorful.
For the safety of our runners and animal friends, we do not allow animals at any of our races.
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.
If you have an ADA need, please contact us support@thecolorrun.com.
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.

Please email support@thecolorrun.com to contact us and we’ll get back to you with an answer.