The Color Run, nicknamed the "happiest 5K on the planet" is the single largest 5K series in the nation,^[1] known for the colored powder thrown at participants throughout the race.

The Color Run is said to resemble the artwork of Jackson Pollock and the Hindu festival of Holi.^[2] The run focuses on having fun rather than speed,^[3] and therefore is not timed.^[4] The Color Run began in 2011 with 50 events in the United States of America.^[5] In 2012 600,000 people participated in The Color Run event with more than 60% of those people being first time 5K runners. ^[6] RunningUSA.org reports organizers are projecting over 1 million participants at 100 plus events in 2013. ^[7] As of February 2013 The Color Run holds over 100 events in the US, Canada, Brazil and Australia ^[8] The Color Run is a celebration of happiness, healthiness, individuality and community.^[9]In February 2013 The Color Run and IMG Worldwide, a global sports and media company signed a multi-year partnership to expand The Color Run to countries in Europe and Asia.^[10]

The Color Run was founded by Brigham Young University graduate Travis Snyder who serves as the privately held company's executive director.^[11] As a triathlete and avid runner himself he began making his own races in 2003 with hopes to create a race that both advanced and novice runners could enjoy.^[12] Snyder was also a founder of another run called the Red Rock Relay.^[13]

Before race day participants nicknamed "color runners"^[14] must complete registration costing anywhere from $35-$50 depending on when one registers and if they are solo or in a group.^[15]

Registered color runners are then emailed 10 days before race day the dates, locations and times of the local packet pick up parties to avoid long lines on race day.^[16] Each packet consists of a custom The Color Run race shirt, a tattoo, a bag of color, a race number, a "Color Runner" sweatband and various giveaways from sponsors.^[17] Color runners also have the opportunity to purchase more color before and after the race.^[18] The Color Run organization also chooses a local charity in each city they visit to donate to, 60 local/national charities benefited in 2012. ^[19] Color runners can be anywhere from 2-80 years old^[20] and children 5 years old and below run free.^[21]

The Color Run only has one rule, to wear a white shirt on race day and prepare to be covered with color.^[22] Those who are serious runners and want to run for a time are urged to show up early for the race in order to be in one of the lead packs of the race even though The Color Run is not a timed race.^[23] A wave of runners takes off from the starting line every15-20 minutes.^[24] Runners begin the race as a sea of white and proceed to have a different color of corn starch powder thrown at them during each kilometer.^[25] The Color Run uses blue, green, purple, pink, yellow and orange^[26] food coloring mixed with corn starch making for a 100% safe and natural powder.^[27]This powder however can sometimes stain clothing depending on how long it has been given to set in.^[28] Staff and volunteers are positioned at each color station at the beginning of each kilometer with 32oz mustard bottles and proceed to spray color runners as they go by.^[29] The Color Run does have a walking lane for those who wish to use it.^[30] If one runs in the middle of the lane they are likely to be doused with less color than those towards the outside. ^[31] At the end of the race color runners partake is what is called the finish festival consisting of food vendors, dancing, music and cleaning stations equipped with air blowers.^[32] Also during the finish festival more color is thrown every 15 minutes to welcome new waves of runners as they complete the run.^[33] Staff clean up after the race using vacuum trucks, brooms and power washers.^[34]

In August of 2012 The Color Run and Chevrolet announced their partnership making the Chevrolet Spark mini car the official vehicle and pace car of The Color Run.^[35] The Chevrolet Spark is a mini car that comes in many bright colors and is sold in the US and Canadian markets.^[36] Chevrolet has also created a specially made Spark pace car that goes along with the artistic theme of the run sporting a white background with a multicolor paint scheme.^[37]