The Color Run is giving people a chance to see 2014 in a new perspective; through a kaleidoscope. The Color Run’s Kaleidoscope Tour is brightening cities worldwide with running, fun and paint!
Columbia is included in this year’s tour and runners gathered at Finlay Park this past Saturday for a colorful morning. Men and women of all ages were geared in Color Run everything – shirts, socks, headbands, bracelets, tattoos – which began white, but didn’t end quite the same. By the time runners were passing the finish line, yellow, blue, pink, and purple splattered their perspired yet ecstatic faces. I was one of them!
The finish line leads runners directly into the Finish Festival where everyone gets a packet of powder for the color throws. There is music, dancing and refreshments.
An announcer on stage is keeping everyone energized with contests and prizes. There is no time to be tired, despite running 3.1 miles only moments before, when Dark Horse by Katy Perry is blasting amongst hundreds of people at 10 in the morning.
I didn’t stop and think of the work I accomplished until, slowly, I came back to my senses. I felt exhaustion from waking up before the sun and the unbearable 40 degree weather overwhelming my worn out body. I was proud of myself and team for running during the entire race. I was even happier when I saw the pictures taken by Flo-Foto, a photography company primarily for races, which captured our vibrant joy.
Columbia’s Color Run raised money for the local charities Historic Columbia Foundation and Girls on the Run. It was a great event to be a part of and maybe next time we can get colorful together.