The happiest 5km on the planet is coming to the capital this month, so TOAD learnt what to expect when the Color Run graces the shores of Yas Island.
The Color Run is a fun run in which the audience coat participants in colourful powder. Though it was only founded in January 2012, the event has exploded on the international fun run scene, with many consecutive events selling out rapidly.
Organisers IMG will be hosting a Color Run on March 29 at Yas Marina Circuit.
With over 170 events across more than 30 countries, the Color Run looks to promote health and wellbeing with a splash of colour. IMG’s marketing and sponsorship director, Fleur Castle, says, ‘The Color Run was launched in 2012, in the US. Since then it’s snowballed and become a bit of a phenomenon, with some events selling out in minutes in other countries.’
After Dubai registered a full capacity of 8,500 at its event at the end of last year, Abu Dhabi looks to be no exception. Fleur says, ‘It was just a matter of time before we decided we wanted to bring it to the UAE.
We realised the market here would love it – all different cultures, nationalities and age groups love it. So when we launched it in Dubai last December, we were testing the waters and it was a phenomenal success.
We sold out before entries closed, it was just incredible. Everyone loved it, so we decided to give Abu Dhabi a go too. We have had a really positive response here so far, so it looks like Abu Dhabi’s event will sell out.’
The novel concept sees participants start in white clothing, and throughout the run there are colour stations where the participants are doused in coloured powder, which is made from organic and machine-washable coloured food starch.
‘Standing at the start line at the Dubai event,’ adds Fleur, ‘People notice there’s something really special about it. Everyone is just there to have a good time.’
Kristina Williams, a participant of the Dubai leg, has registered for Abu Dhabi’s event too. She says everyone should have a go. ‘It’s a huge amount of fun,’ she explains. ‘It’s a reasonable distance – people walk or run it, sometimes pushing prams. The atmosphere is electric. I went with friends and we dressed up; there’s no pressure and it’s a great distance, it’s more of an outing than it is exercise.’
There are no age limits, no winners or losers, just lots people having a good time. Fleur explains, ‘The whole reasoning behind the Color Run is that people can get active and have fun – that exercise isn’t that daunting, it can be done with friends and family. We have had a really good response so far – we are hoping the full 8,500 people will register again in Abu Dhabi.’
For the Abu Dhabi event, US$1 (about Dhs3.35) from each registration fee will be donated to Operation Smile UAE – an international charity working to help children with facial deformities. Executive director, Morag Cromey-Hawke, says, ‘Operation Smile UAE is delighted to be working again with IMG and Daman Active Life, the club for members of the Daman health insurance plan, in order to promote the Color Run in Abu Dhabi.
‘After the very successful Color Run in Dubai, where US$8,500 was donated to Operation Smile to help children receive free corrective surgery for cleft lips and cleft palates, we are determined to have as great a success here in Abu Dhabi.’
Fleur says Operation Smile UAE was voted for by participants in Dubai and they chose to continue using the charity for the Abu Dhabi run given its high profile in the community.
Morag says, ‘What better way to help children smile than by having fun at the same time? We are proud to have such great partners and be a part of such a fun, healthy exercise.’
Fleur says they are not only donating US$1 per registration, but also encouraging runners to raise money for Operation Smile UAE through other fundraising methods.
Morag adds, ‘We also hope that many people will further support Operation Smile UAE by creating their own JustGiving page and raising even more smiles.’
Kristina says no one will regret singing up. ‘Do it immediately, sign up, it’s a fun atmosphere and it’s for a good cause,’ she says. ‘There’s nothing like it in the world – chatting, excerising and being blasted with colour.’
The Color Run is on Mar 29. Dhs140 per person. Email info.uae@thecolorrun.com, www.thecolorrun.ae
