By Megan Drummond

Have you ever thought about going for run, and then just sat back down because it sounded boring and like too much work? Not many people find exercising enjoyable. What if someone made running fun, would more people do it? The answer is: of course!

New and improved color runs have been encouraging all types of people to get up and move. What is it?  They are event series run by The Color Run LLC company, featuring 5k paint races.  There are no prizes or winners, but these runs are unique because participants are showered with colored powder at paint stations along the way.   A color run has been designed to encourage people to simply have a good time while getting some exercise. These “runs” do not have to be taken seriously, and there is no pressure to run the whole 5k, considering 60 percent of participants are first-time runners.

To participate in the Color Run there are only two rules:

        1. Wear white at the starting line

        2. Finish plastered in color

On Sept. 28, the Color Vibe will be hosting a run for the Worcester area. It’s not too late to join in- you can still register as a runner, or sign up to be a color-throwing volunteer.

Two other big color runs that are held in our local area are: The Color Run and Color Me Rad. The Color Run is being held in Providence this year on Oct. 20, and it’s not too late to sign up. If you can’t make it to any of the 2013 events, you can enter your email on their websites to receive information on events for next year.

Since their debut in January 2012, the color runs have become increasingly popular. Why do people love it so much?  “We call The Color Run the ‘Happiest 5K on the Planet’ because our events bring together friends and family in a unique, healthy, and fun environment,” said Travis Snyder, founder of The Color Run.  And the event doesn’t end after you cross the finish line, because there is a “Finish Festival” where people can mingle, dance, and get even more paint.  You can join a color dance party to show off your newly decorated shirt.  Color Run boasts that, “[it] is the best post-5k party on the planet!”

These color runs are designed to motivate people into an active lifestyle by promoting exercise as an entertaining activity. “This is the third 5K that I’ve run, but the others have been for competition.  This one is just to let loose and have fun,” said Terrie Ayala, quoted from M Live.

The company behind Color Run also gives back to the  communities who sponsor the races.  A large amount of the proceeds from the events are given back to local charities, and they have raised donations for more than 80 local and national charities since 2012.  For instance, The Color Vibe will be giving back to the Easter Seals Disability Services.

The Color Vibe (which is coming up this weekend) is a 5k course made up of four color-zones, and a finish line celebration that includes an after-party. Each color zone will be throwing dyed cornstarch at everyone who passes by.  The color that will cover your body is completely harmless.  It is non-toxic and food grade corn starch, making it 100% natural and SAFE. Color Run compares it to,“ getting into a powdered sugar food fight.”

What’s not to love about being outside on a beautiful day with family or friends, getting covered in color, and having the opportunity to meet new people?  Remember, there are no worries or pressure to be competitive.  This is a judge-free zone where you can run, walk, or dance through the 5k course. With no first place winner or an official time clock, these events are meant to cater to the runner’s preference- as long as you finish covered in color, looking like you rolled in a rainbow.