Color Me Rad!

This past weekend, I took part in Winnipeg’s “Color Me Rad” event at Assiniboia Downs. It was the first colour-run for our city, and based on what I had read from friends who had participated in similar runs, I knew that I had to do it. Plus, a portion of proceeds went to Camp Manitou, a place that is near and dear to my heart.

Despite a horrible traffic jam that caused me to miss my “wave”, I made it to the park in time to meet up with a friend who was fresh off her own run.

 

I joined up with a big, excited group at the start line and after a few minutes of instructions and banter by the MCs, we were off! The route took us around the paved areas Downs park and then, once we were past the first colour-bomb station, out through an adjoining field. The colour stations were set up every kilometer, which was a fun way to count-off the legs of the race. At each station, we were either pelted with handfuls of coloured cornstarch, or sprayed with water-based paint. It was fun to see everyone get progressively more colourful, as most of us started in white.

 

The “race” itself was unusual not just for the colour aspect, but because it was the least competitive running event that I have ever witnessed. All ages, shapes, sizes and abilities turned up and took part… and it wasn’t even timed. I ran the whole 5k, but I would say that the majority of participants walked the route after the first kilometre. The weather could not have been better – not too hot, not too windy – and, although the ground was a little bumpy in places, the route was pretty easy to navigate.

 

Once we were across the finish line, we were given water, our pictures were taken, and we had more opportunities to get coloured-up at the “colour party” dance party. Oh, and there were free McDonald’s frappe samples for those who like that sorta thing. After hanging out for a couple songs, and getting even pinker in the process, I headed home and began the fun (and surprising! Who knew my toes would be purple?) process of getting clean again.