I was never a runner during my school years, in fact I was the polar opposite. I clearly remember dreading P.E. classes, and I would walk the entire annual 1.6km timed run.. These days however things have taken a complete 180, to the point where I completed my first marathon this year. Yay me! And so, it’s made me realise, that if I can do it, there are probably many other people who may potentially be runners that haven’t realised it yet! This is where The Color Run comes in! This is not a serious run, infact you don’t even have to run the full course – there are people walking, skipping, dancing, and generally making merriment along the 5km.
Our day started as we boarded a tram to Southern Cross Station in our pristine white colour run tshirts, pink tutus, blue headbands and crazy temporary tattoos. Crazy outfits are the norm at the Color Run, although we did get a few strange looks from the other passengers! However, once we reached the station, ready to board the train to Flemington Race Course, we found hundreds of fellow runners, and suddenly our eccentric outfits seemed normal!
Unlike serious runs, the course was not marked with kilometre markers, but instead with colour zones and other fun zones. While running (or walking along) you could be pelted with coloured powder, faced with a foam across the ground or squirted with slime – it’s all part of the fun! Also not to forget the plethora of volunteers who lined the course ready with endless high fives, massive smiles and raucous cheers.
If you are a serious runner, always out to get a personal best time, then this is not the event for you – in fact the run isn’t timed at all. But you want to get out, have a great time, and do some incidental exercise, then the Color Run is perfect. Who knows, out of the hundreds of people that participate, there may even be a future marathon runner!
– Moni
Moni spends a lot of her time training for long runs. When she isn’t out running, you can usually find her in front of a TV, devouring a huge bowl of carbs. Follow her @_MoniMonsta_.
The Color Run will return to Melbourne in 2017. Sign up to be a VIP to get advanced notice and discounted tickets to ‘the happiest 5k on the planet.’
