On our Frequently Asked Questions page, you can find the answer to a few of the most common questions asked by our fearless Color Runners 🙂
What is the inspiration behind The Color Run?
The Color Run is the first colour race of its kind and was inspired by several awesome events, including Disney’s World of Color, Colour Parties, Mud Runs, and festivals throughout the world such as Holi. We wanted to create a less stressful and untimed running environment that is more about health and happiness! We hope that The Color Run can act as a catalyst to inspire continual healthy living.
Do I need to be Mo Farah to do this?
Oh my goodness, NO. There are plenty of other great 5k runs our there to test speed and performance. We’re all about a colour crazy day out with friends and family. You can run, walk, jog, skip, dance or cartwheel it if you wish!
Is The Color Run timed?
‘The Happiest 5k On The Planet’ is not a timed event. Even Mr. Farah would take his time out there to maximise the colourful fun! We suggest self-timing for anyone desiring a finish time.
PRE EVENT
What is an Electrical Signature and how do I create one?
An electrical signature requires you to manually type your registered name into the text box provided. This will ensure us that you had read and agreed to our terms and conditions and entry policy.
Do children have to pay for the registration?
Children 5 or under receive a free entry in the event but this does not include a t-shirt or race pack. They are more than welcome to wear their own white t-shirts or even a costume! Alternatively, you could purchase a Little Color Runner Race Pack which has a cute children’s size T-shirt, adult size headband, transfers and a mini race number. We are also be selling additional youth t-shirts at The Happy Store online and on the day of the event.
Can you register more than one person at a time?
You can register as many people as you desire in one transaction! Select the total number of people you wish to enter for the event on the first page of the entry system. You can then enter each participant’s details and pay for all of the places in one transaction at the event of the event.
Is there an age limit for younger runners?
There are no age limits, if they can cover running, jogging, walking or strolling the 5kms of the course, they can absolutely do The Color Run! Anyone under 14 years old needs to be accompanied by an adult.
Can spectators attend the post-race Finish Festival?
Absolutely! You may want to warn them though they’re not coming out of The Color Run Finish Festival clean!
Are there refunds?
If an event is held as advertised, we cannot issue refunds. The logistics of setting up and planning the event make it impossible. Just make sure you are good to go before signing up.
How do I transfer my registration to another person?
You can transfer your place to another participant by logging into your profile at myevents.active.com and choose the option Transfer registration to another athleteâ„¢ and the new person will get a link to enter the event. The person who receives the link willneed to enter the event and complete their registration at least 8 weeks before the event.
TEAMS
How does a Team entry type work compared with a Solo entry type?
Pretty simple, you register as a team rather than as an individual. A team is 4+ friends running, laughing and dancing through the course together. You get to pick a groovy custom team name, anything from the We put the Gee in Green All-Stars Colour Me Pink. You then get to run/walk together and help each other get really colourful over the 5k course. There is no relay component and team members can start/finish together as a unit or separately.
How do you register a team?
First off, your team captain needs to register themselves and the team name. This can be done by clicking on the Team runner- team captain option that is listed. After the team details have been entered, your team will automatically be listed for your teammates to join! Your teammates will have to register as a team member to be able to join your team. You don’t need a full team to get started! Get yourself signed up today and then round up the rest of your team! Encourage them to sign up ASAP as creating a team does not hold or reserve spots. The event can sell out at any time.
Who counts as a team member?
Any paid participant can be a team member. Unfortunately, children 5 and under do not count as team members, as they are a free entry. Remember a team must consist of 4+ participants.
Team Captain – Under 18
Anyone under 18 years old who wants to create a Team will need a parent or guardian to set up the Team Name. This is done by selecting Non-Participating Team Captain as the entry type and completing the required questions. Anyone wanting to be part of this Team can then join the Team by registering as a Team Member and selecting the Team Name created by the Non-Participating Team Captain. The ‘Non-Participating Team Captain’ will not be able to take part in the event.
RACE PACK
Can I have my event kit delivered?
Absolutely, we will get your sweet race pack sent out in the post. You will receive this a few weeks before the event. Anyone coming to the event from overseas can pick their race pack up on the day from our info desk.
When will I receive my race pack?
All colour runners will receive their race packs between 1 month and 2 weeks before the event! Do not worry if your friends on your team have received theirs and you haven’t, it will be on its way 🙂
RACE DAY
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 jail if more than 11.8% of your person is a color other than white just like at Wimbledon, honest!
Just kidding, you can wear whatever you feel comfortable in to run, walk or skip around the 5k course.
Is there anywhere to leave our bags on event day?
All participants are advised not to bring large bags to the venue. Unfortunately, we do not provide storage or bag drops at our Color Runs. Make sure you come ready in all your Color Runner gear! If you are bringing bags then we advise that you either leave these in your car or with friends/family who are spectating. If you need to bring a bag make sure it is that is comfortable to run so you can keep your belongings with you.
How does the start chute work?
The start chute will open 15 minutes before the run commences. We will then let everyone onto the course in waves of approx. 500-800 every 3-6 minutes. We do suggest any serious runners make their way into the chute early so they can be among the first group to enter the course.
How do the post-race Color Throws work?
At the Finish Festival, the crowd will do a ’Color Throw’ approx. every 15 minutes to welcome new runners coming in. You will receive your packet of coloured powder at the finish line once you’ve finished the run.
What happens if there is bad weather?
The Color Run is an outdoor event so could be affected by weather! The event will not be cancelled in bad weather unless it is unsafe to proceed. Rain is, after all, just liquid sunshine!
Can I take photos or film at the event?
The Color Run is the perfect event to get great visuals for your memories, Instagram, Facebook or maybe you even take your photography more seriously and want to prepare a portfolio. We welcome anyone to photograph or film at our event for PERSONAL use only. We DO NOT accredit anyone other than limited official media. So please, come along, enjoy the event and take shots until your colourful heart is content. Make sure you tag us in any pics! #ColourMeHappy
Why do you keep spelling colour the American way?
The Color Run is an American brand that has arrived in the UK so it is missing the Brittish u. We like to encourage all our Color Runners to put the u in colour on the day, and use our UK #ColourMeHappy.
Can I run with a jogging buggy and my kids?
On one condition, if you are prepared to be one of the hippest mums/dads on the planet! As long as they are cute and like to have fun…all kids 5 and under can run with an adult FREE of charge! Be sure to register them through the entry page.
Is the course wheel-chair friendly?
All of our courses are accessible, so everyone can enjoy the ‘Happiest 5K on the Planet!’ We suggest an all-terrain wheelchair or to bring a friend along who will be able to help you through more tricky parts of the course.
Can I bring my scooter or bike?
Unfortunately, due to safety reasons, the only wheels we allow at our events are prams and wheelchairs. Sorry!
Can I run with my dog?
For the safety of our runners and animal friends, we do NOT allow animals at any of our races.
Is water supplied?
We encourage all Color Runners to bring a bottle of water with them to keep hydrated. All participants receive a bottle of water as they cross the finish line.
What security measures do you have in place?
We are planning to go ahead with The Color Run as planned. Following the recent terrorist activity, and as a result of consultation and review, there will be enhanced security. This will include bag searches. All participants are advised not to bring large bags to the venue. These procedures may cause delay and therefore we advise you to allow more time in advance of the event. Be assured, we place the utmost importance on security and take the safety of our participants very seriously.
THE COLOUR
How is the colour administered?
You will see smiling faces along the course whose main goal is to douse you with colourful powder to ensure that you look like you ran through a beautiful rainbow by the time you cross the finish line!
Will the colour stain my hair?
The coloured powder does wash out of your hair; however, we do recommend you take precautions if you are worried! The colour does tend to stick to lighter hair… Blondes you are warned! Oiling your hair before the run will help the colour wash out. If you’re having trouble washing it after the event, bi-carb soda and anti-dandruff shampoo will help get the more stubborn colour out!
Will I receive anything at the Finish to help keep me clean?
There will be free ponchos handed out for you to wear home just in case you are still covered in colour.
Will the colour ruin clothes or running shoes?
The colour mostly washes out after the event. However, as with anything dirty, the sooner the gear gets washed the better. Dust off all excess powder before washing with water. Wash your coloured gear separately and use cold water. We suggest wearing items that you would not mind getting colourful. If you would like to preserve the colour in your running shirt, we suggest spraying it with vinegar and ironing it when you get home. This is the most likely way the shirt will retain its colouring.
How does the colour affect the inside of cars?
You went all out, you are covered in colour and if you do not take precautions, your car will be too. If you are driving or taking the tube, use your poncho or bring something (towels, plastic, rubbish bags, etc.) to cover the seats before you sit down.
Are cameras and phones safe to have in the Color Zones?
Our race photographers are totally fine shooting from a medium distance (10-15metres). If you want to get shots right in the midst of the colour we recommend covering cameras/phones with cling film or placing your phone in a ziplock bag.
Do the Color Zones affect runner vision? Or breathing?
The coloured powder used at the event is made from food-grade cornstarch. It is 100% natural and causes no harm to skin or the environment. The powder used in its events has been tested for flammability and successfully passed the required EU standards. As with any substance, you want to keep it out of your eyes and our colour 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.
CHARITY
Is The Color Run a Charity Event?
No, we are a commercial fun run event, but we do work with the NSPCC. We provide a platform for runners to raise funds, should they choose to do so, for our Official Charity, NSPCC. You can donate to this amazing cause when you register for the event or keep an eye out for how you can donate on event day! Our official online fundraising partner JustGiving makes fundraising really easy to check out how to build the perfect fundraising page here.
Can I Run for a Cause and support the charity partner?
You sure can! We have heaps of amazing Color Runners who have helped raise funds for some amazing causes! Click here to find out more about how you can raise funds for the NSPCC today!
Can I fundraise for a different charity other than NSPCC?
If you have another charity that is close to your heart who you would also like to fundraise, that is absolutely fine by us.
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What if I have a super sweet question that is not answered here?
Please email info.uk@thecolorrun.com and we’ll hook you up with an answer. If your question is awesome enough, we might even publish it right here on The Color Run Official FAQs page.
