Color Run Advice please :)

I think most of the color runs provide you with sunglasses when you pick up your race packet. But if not, definitely wear some.

The powder gets EVERYWHERE - I had my phone in my running belt, on my back, under my shirt, and there was powder inside the phone case. Didn't ruin it, but next time I might put it in a zip lock just to be safe. Some of the color stations had liquid color as well, so if you take a camera/phone/mp3 device, keep that in mind.

Some people like to cover their face or mouth with a bandana or mask - I just sort of held my breath through the clouds and did fine. Lots of color in the mouth (and up your nose!) when you're through!

Just don't wear anything you don't mind permanently colored. I wore grey shorts, and they are fine, and of course you want a white shirt for all that color, but even my sports bra was pretty bright when it was all over, and not all the color washed out. Not a big deal - I kind of like it as a souvenir.

Other than that - have fun! I had a blast!

I did it this past weekend. You are going to have a blast!

I kept my phone (which I took lots and lots of pics on) as well as my DL and some cash in a ziplock baggie I ran with. When I took it out to take pictures it did get a coating of rainbow, but nothing that didn't wipe off.

Show up early and if you can pick up your race packet ahead of time. If you don't, no big deal, but I would still suggest it. The one I went to was at Dodger Stadium and parking was limited. If yours is similar get there early! The parking was a mess the closer you got to the time of the run.

Have a blast, take lots and lots of pictures and good luck! It is so much fun

Hi! I just did a race like this last Saturday (Color Me Rad). Here's what wisdom I can provide.

1: Wear eye protection. Cornstarch is really annoying when it gets in your eyes. They'll probably provide you with a cheap plastic pair of sunglasses; I wore these and went without my prescription glasses. I can see well enough to follow the guy in front of me. Goggles are another option, if you feel like being really silly about it.

2. If you're gonna bring electronics with you, protect them. The dust gets everywhere, and also at some color stations they'll spray you with watercolor.

3. Because you're running with your daughters, I'm gonna advise against headphones; I've always considered wearing headphones at a social event to be supremely rude, and this race is really a social event. I didn't have a team, it was just me, and I felt lonely; if I ever do a run like this again, I'm going to recruit *somebody* to run with me. And besides, it's just a fun run; chances are you won't even get a chip timer, so you don't really need to be "in the zone," as it were. Just enjoy the experience and have some fun with your daughters, leave the MP3 player at home.

4. The cornstarch is going to get in your nose and mouth. It doesn't taste good, but it's harmless. Do not panic, and instead marvel at the profoundly gross Rorschach inkblot you produce the first (and second, and fifth) time you all blow your noses after the race.

5. Bring backup shoes, bags to contain the colorful shoes and socks, and baby wipes. Put down a sheet or towels to protect the car seats. Take off your race shoes and socks and wipe down your arms and legs as best you can before getting in the car.

EDITED TO ADD!

Get there early, enjoy a good breakfast beforehand, and hydrate!

Oh yeah, forgot to mention protecting car seats!

People parked near us had a leaf blower and blew clouds of color off of each other before they drove off. Seemed to work well! :bigsmile:

:drinker: Good LUCK!!! We will be waiting to hear all about it!!!

I just signed up for The Color Run in Austin May 4th! I think I have enough for a team (yay!)

I wear prescription glasses (but I have prescription sunglasses), does the color obstruct your view?


Also, this is my first 5k, and I am training, but any suggests for a pre-race breakfast? Like carb heavy or go for more protein and eat carbs after the race? I have no idea....

Again - PROTECT THE CAR SEATS!

I had a horrible morning the morning of my first Color Run, and so wasn't thinking clearly at all... brought no change of clothes, nothing to protect my nice leather seats... yeah, it was bad. Like 3 hours of hard scrubbing then reconditioning the leather... ugh.

Also, to my understanding
"THE COLOR RUN" has NO "wet" stations
"COLOR ME RAD" does have "wet" stations.

So depending on which one you're doing, you might want to be more/less careful with whatever you bring. We did "The Color Run" with only our phones in a ziploc bag. Took pictures of each other with the bag still on the camera, maybe taking it out once or twice. Did fine, any color that got in there wiped right off.

We didn't protect our eyes, and we did fine. However, during the "color cloud" at the end of the run, which is like a giant paint fight and everyone throws the powder at each other, I wish I had had something. I ended up getting purple thrown RIGHT into my face and it got all in my eyes and mouth. I had purple teeth for a week. Lovely. But it was still SO much fun.

:drinker: At the "Wet Stations" they mix the Corn Starch with Water and Spray you as you run by. If it is a HOT Day it feels GREAT!!

Don't worry about this!! The Color Run is a Perfect "Race" for your First 5K. No one is timing it or fretting about how fast you go or don't go. They are all there to have Fun. Lots of Familys Walk/Run it together and LOTS of Funny Costumes.

I'm doing my first one in March (well not a 'Color Run', but something similar) and there are lots of things I did not think about! Thanks for the advice!