Looking to add some color to your life? A run around Kapolei just might do the trick. The 5K Color Run makes its Oahu debut Nov. 3.
"We received lots of email requests to bring the race to Hawaii," Hawaii race coordinator Jess Nelson said of the nontimed family fun run that is taking place in 50 cities across the country. Events began in August and will continue through December.
Race participants are required to wear white and, true to the event’s name, will get doused with a different color "paint" at each kilometer marker. The color is made from a dyed, gluten-free, nontoxic cornstarch based powder.
"Certified color throwers" are instructed to aim low, but goggles or sunglasses are recommended to prevent accidental color-blindness. A middle lane is available for those who might want to steer clear of throwers’ aim. And, at the finish line, runners will get their revenge with receipt of a packet of color to toss before the finale dance party.
For those who want to preserve the resulting wearable art, Nelson suggests spraying the colored shirt with vinegar and ironing it before washing.
To get ready for the race, she suggests oiling your hair with cooking oil or a leave-in conditioner to make it easier to wash out color. More tips are included on the race website.
The race is limited to 10,000 entries. "People should sign up early because it fills up fast," she said.
If you aren’t interested in walking or running, but want to be involved, volunteer positions are available. People are needed to help with everything from registration to throwing color. "We try to make the volunteer experience as much fun as the run," she said. "No matter what you do, it’s a blast."
Proceeds will benefit Ocean Lotus Hawaii, an agency serving homeless and underprivileged youth by providing after-school tutoring and mentoring, and weekend surfing and ocean sports programs.
The cost to enter the Color Run is $60 for individuals, $55 for team registration. Visit thecolorrun.com/ hawaii.
"It’s not just for runners; anyone can do the race," Nelson said. "We promote a ‘be happy, be healthy, be you’ attitude. It’s a crazy, colorful mess, and we plan to make it an annual event. We will definitely be back."