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The Color Run, nicknamed the "happiest 5K on the planet" is the single largest 5K series in the nation, known for the colored powder thrown at runners throughout the race.

History
The Color Run was founded by Brigham Young University graduate Travis Snyder who serves as the privately held company's executive director. As a triathlete and avid runner himself he began organizing his own races in 2003 with hopes to create a race that both advanced and novice runners could enjoy. Snyder was also one of the founders of the Red Rock Relay. The Color Run is said to resemble the artwork of Jackson Pollock and the Hindu festival of Holi. The run focuses on having fun rather than speed, and therefore is not timed. The Color Run began in 2011 with 50 events in the United States of America. In 2012, 600,000 people participated in The Color Run events, with more than 60% of them being first time 5K runners. RunningUSA.org reports organizers are projecting over 1 million participants at 100 plus events in 2013. As of February 2013, The Color Run holds over 100 events in the US, Canada, Brazil and Australia The Color Run advertises itself as a celebration of happiness, healthiness, individuality and community. In February 2013 The Color Run and IMG Worldwide, a global sports and media company signed a multi-year partnership to expand The Color Run to countries in Europe and Asia.

Before the Race
Before race day, participants nicknamed "color runners" must complete registration costing anywhere from $35-$50 depending on when one registers and if they are running solo or in a group. 10 days before race day registered color runners are emailed the dates, locations and times of what they call "packet pick up parties" to receive race day materials ahead of time. Each packet consists of a custom The Color Run race shirt, a tattoo, a bag of color, a race number, a "Color Runner" sweatband and various giveaways from sponsors. Color runners also have the opportunity to purchase more color before and after the race to throw at one another. The Color Run organization chooses a local charity to donate to in each city they visit, 60 local/national charities benefited in 2012. Color runners can be anywhere from 2-80 years old and children 5 years old and below run free.

Race Day
The Color Run only has one rule, to wear a white shirt on race day and prepare to be covered with color. Those who are serious runners and want to run for a time are urged to show up early for the race in order to be in one of the lead packs even though The Color Run isn't timed. A wave of runners takes off from the starting line every 15-20 minutes. Runners begin the race as a sea of white and proceed to have a different color of corn starch powder thrown at them during each kilometer. The Color Run uses blue, green, purple, pink, yellow and orange food coloring mixed with corn starch making for a safe and natural powder. This powder, however, can sometimes stain clothing. Staff and volunteers are positioned at each color station at the beginning of each kilometer with 32oz mustard bottles and proceed to spray color runners as they go by. If one runs in the middle of the lane they are likely to be doused with less color than those towards the outside. The Color Run does have a walking lane for those who wish to use it. At the end of the race color runners partake is what is called the finish festival consisting of food vendors, dancing, music and cleaning stations equipped with air blowers. Also during the finish festival more color is thrown every 15 minutes to welcome new waves of runners as they complete the run. Staff clean up after the race using vacuum trucks, brooms and power washers.

Chevrolet Partnership
In August of 2012 The Color Run and Chevrolet announced their partnership making the Chevrolet Spark subcompact car the official vehicle and pace car of The Color Run. Chevrolet has also created a specially made Spark pace car that goes along with the artistic theme of the run, sporting a white background with a multicolor paint scheme.