At Color Run, actual running is optional

The color stations were reminiscent of a drive-through car wash, but instead of soap, participants were doused in chalky and colorful powder as they passed through balloon arches during “the happiest 5K on the planet.”

The fifth-annual Color Run Saturday was a 5-kilometer zig zag that closed portions of downtown Las Vegas. Unlike other races, the just-for-fun run is not timed. In fact, running isn’t even the point of the race.

Participants entered the course wearing white T-shirts, but it wasn’t long before they, along with the streets, were covered in blue, orange, gold and gray powder.

Bags provided by organizers included color packs for participants, whose wardrobes tended to include neon-colored tutus, knee-high socks and oversize wigs. Most danced and took selfies at the starting line just south of the Fremont Street Experience on Las Vegas Boulevard.

Volunteers at each of the four color stations — blue, orange, gold and silver — bombarded runners and walkers with the powder. They were rewarded with jubilant “woos!” from the spottled runners.

At the clap of a high-five, the powdery dust flew out of Miguel Garcia’s hand as he and his family neared the end of the course.

“I’m here to interact with people and it’s fun, because a lot of times people don’t do that,” Garcia, 52, whose face was caked with color.

This was the Garcias’ second Color Run.

“It’s the same, aside from different faces,” Miguel Garcia said. “It’s delightful — so fun.”

“Best dad ever!” Garcia’s son, 12-year-old Lionardo interjected.

Bullhead City, Ariz., residents Lisa, 43, and Michael Dailey, 23, wore white shirts that had a Crayola crayon outline:

“We’re plain white crayons when we start and when we finish we’ll be colorful,” Lisa Dailey said.

Talbot Snow and Victoria Hart, both 40, said they were there to have fun and exercise. Their more athletic teenager daughter easily outpaced them.

“We came down with her and she has f-a-a-r surpassed us,” Hart said, explaining with hand motions.

Staff members at the final color station (gray) cheered on and high-fived the participants. That station led to a stage area where an announcer, shouting over top-40 songs, instructed each clot of runners to rid themselves of their color packs, all at once.

After a countdown, each runner sent their own colors exploding into the air, where the dust fell back to coat the cheering crowd all around.

“This is very enticing,” Miguel Garcia said, “we welcome everybody to participate.”

Contact Ricardo Torres at rtorres@reviewjournal.com and 702-383-0381. Find him on Twitter: @rickytwrites.