Running isn’t always about competition or finishing first. Sometimes, it’s about joy, movement, and neon-colored clouds exploding all around you.
That’s the charm of Color Me Rad, a 5K event that’s less about pace and more about play. It’s loud, messy, and downright energizing.
It’s a break from seriousness and a reminder that fitness can be about fun. Add in a blast of music, some goofy costumes, and bursts of color, and you’ve got one of the most unforgettable running events in the country.
What Is Color Me Rad?
Color Me Rad is a 5K fun run inspired by the Hindu festival of Holi, where participants are doused in colorful cornstarch at every kilometer. Unlike traditional races, it’s untimed. There are no winners or finish lines that matter, just a sea of color and smiles.
Every kilometer features a color station where volunteers blast participants with bright hues of cornstarch powder, pink, blue, green, purple, yellow, sometimes from buckets, sometimes via water guns. It’s designed for people of all ages and fitness levels, from kids to grandparents. If you can walk or jog, you’re good to go.
The good thing?
The event is designed to encourage movement, laughter, and togetherness. Plus, you end the race looking like a walking rainbow, with a cloud of color trailing behind you.
How Does It Compare to The Color Run?
At first glance, Color Me Rad and The Color Run seem identical. Both involve untimed 5Ks, color stations, and huge clouds of colored powder. But look closer, and some key differences stand out.
The Color Run tends to be more family-friendly and calm. It focuses on inclusivity and community, often emphasizing health and happiness. It’s a bit more organized, and many runs are attached to charities or causes.
Color Me Rad, on the other hand, leans more into the party atmosphere. The energy is wilder, the music louder, and the color blasts more intense. Many runners say the colors used at Color Me Rad are more vibrant, and the event feels like a full-on festival.
While both events are fun, if you’re after a more energized, borderline chaotic experience that makes you feel like a kid again, Color Me Rad wins hands down.
How to Prepare for a Color Run Event
Preparation makes all the difference, especially when color is involved. While you don’t need to be a seasoned runner, knowing what to wear, bring, and expect can help you fully enjoy the experience.
What to Wear
Wear white. This may seem counterintuitive for a color run, but white shows the powder best. Think old white t-shirts, shorts, or leggings you don’t mind staining.
Some runners go all out with tutus, wigs, sunglasses, or socks with crazy prints. Costumes are part of the fun and often encouraged.
Bring sunglasses or goggles to protect your eyes from powder, and a bandana or mask if you’re sensitive to airborne dust. Most powders are made from colored cornstarch and are generally safe, but they can be irritating if inhaled in large quantities.
What to Bring
Leave expensive gear at home. That includes your latest fitness watch or unprotected smartphone. Unless you’re using waterproof or color-safe gear covers, things will get messy fast.
Here’s a helpful checklist:
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Towel or wet wipes
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Ziplock bags for electronics
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Change of clothes
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Trash bags for post-race transport
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Snacks or plant-based protein powder shake for recovery
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Hydration bottle
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Liquid Iron Supplement to help replenish energy, especially if you're prone to fatigue
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Sunscreen
Add an extra edge with Active Energy and Stamina Capsules to keep your energy high throughout the event.
Post-Race Clean-Up Tips
Cleaning off the color post-race takes effort. The powder can stick to sweat and clothing, so take action quickly:
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Shake off excess powder before getting in your car.
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Use wet wipes for your face and arms.
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Shower with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser.
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Rinse hair thoroughly, twice if needed.
Some colors may linger for a day or two, especially under fingernails or hairlines. Moisturize afterward to keep your skin happy.
Top Tips for First-Time Participants
Running your first Color Me Rad?
Here are a few tips that will help make the day epic:
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Go with a group. It's always more fun when you’re dodging color bombs with friends.
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Fuel up. Light snacks and a plant-based supplement or vitamin like Be•Well Organic Prebiotic Fiber Powder can help your digestion and boost endurance.
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Arrive early. Get a good parking spot, soak in the music, and stretch before the waves begin.
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Embrace the mess. The point is to get wild, stained, and happy. Don’t hold back.
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Celebrate with a smoothie. Bring along plant-based protein powder to refuel and stay strong.
Conclusion
Color Me Rad isn’t just a run, it’s an explosion of color, energy, and pure joy. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just someone looking to move more and smile bigger, this untimed event brings together fitness and fun in the most unforgettable way.
From choosing your outfit to blasting color with strangers-turned-friends, the day stays with you both in memory and maybe on your white shirt.
Get messy, get moving, and don't forget your plant-based supplements and vitamins to keep your body as vibrant as your spirit.
FAQs
What is Color Me Rad?
Color Me Rad is a high-energy 5K run where participants are blasted with colorful cornstarch powder at every kilometer. It’s not timed, and it focuses on fun over performance. Inspired by Holi, it’s designed to boost movement, community, and laughter.
The event has welcomed hundreds of thousands of participants nationwide, many of whom are running their first 5K.
How do I prepare for Color Me Rad?
Start by choosing breathable white clothing, preferably items you don’t mind staining. Bring sunglasses, towels, and extra clothes for after the race.
Hydrate well, and consider boosting your prep with CORE CLEANSER or Foods to Boost the Lymphatic System to support your immune system post-race. Try vegan collagen in your smoothie to keep your skin hydrated after all that powder and sun.
Is Color Me Rad the same as The Color Run?
While both are colorful 5K events, they differ in style. The Color Run is more subdued, organized, and family-focused. Color Me Rad is louder, messier, and built like a party.
The energy level is higher, the music thumps harder, and the atmosphere is more playful. Participants often prefer Color Me Rad for its vibrancy and wild vibes.
