Last week at this time I was celebrating my successful mud run. Now I have a new event on my to-try list: a color run. These noncompetitive races (also called "the happiest 5Ks on the planet") start with every runner wearing a white shirt, and finish with everyone coated in color from head to toe.
How does that happen? As you complete each kilometer of the run, you pass through a color zone where volunteers and staff toss yellow, orange, pink, and blue paint powder (don't worry, it's natural and even edible). Then there's a major "color blitz" at the finish line. Kids 5 and under can participate for free, on foot or in a stroller. And part of your entry fee goes to a local charity as a donation.
Fifty U.S. cities will host Color Runs in 2012, and there's an Australian tour too. So far 38 U.S. cities are on the 2013 schedule, with more to come; you can also vote to add new ones.
Photo: The Color Run