Participants at the Color Run throw their color packets in the air. Photo by Jennifer Friese/The Dakota Student.

There was an explosion of color on south 42nd street as the color run made its appearance in Grand Forks early Saturday morning.

Runners of all ages showed up to participate in the what organizers call the “Happiest 5k on the Planet.”

Despite the early hour and chilly weather, runners wore smiles on their faces and came ready to participate in the five-kilometer, un-timed race that serves to promote healthiness, happiness and individuality. People showed up to the event decked out in the ultimate color run gear that included tu-tus, wigs, colorful socks and funky shades. They would then start the race in their clean white t-shirts and finish splattered in a rainbow of color from head to toe, the messier the better.

The race area was a party in itself, with music blaring and announcers pumping up the crowd. Runners would leave the finish line to later dash through rainbows of color as they made their way up and down 42nd street, which was closed to traffic.

To top off the fun, they would then run through a tunnel of bubbles before making their way to the finish line.

Following the 5k, a festival awaited runners crossing the finish line. A stage area featured music and dancing, all while paint colors were thrown in the air creating an array of vivid color combinations.

“The excitement of everyone here is really something to see.” Color Run volunteer Melissa Zhurcher said. “The color packets that they throw, the kaleidoscope tour and the little things they run through make the event a lot of fun, and I love that it’s family oriented, where anyone can do it.”

This really was an event for anyone and everyone. Participants included children in strollers being pushed by their parents, groups of students, grandparents and everyone in between.

The Color Run is a “for profit” organization that aims to create a fun event for the whole family. But it also serves to increase awareness and help to promote local charities and shed some light on important issues.

“I volunteer because I love the energy of people,” Zhurcher said. “And I love how the Color Run supports local charities and promotes health and fitness too.”
Ashley Carlson is a staff writer for The Dakota Student. She can be reached at [email protected].