 Grim weather doesn't dampen enthusiasm in 'happiest five kilometers on planet' Dark clouds hovered over Beijing on Saturday, but it was a much brighter scene on the ground where nearly 30,000 runners were pelted by packets of colored cornstarch in The Color Run at the Beijing International Garden Expo Park in Fengtai district. Runners flocked in the morning wearing the event's official white T-shirts destined to be caked in non-toxic powders of a dozen bright colors. Sporting colorful wigs and temporary tattoos on their faces, participants jogged, laughed and screamed their way around the five-kilometer circuit. Founded by American Travis Snyder in March 2011, The Color Run has grown into an international sensation. Last year the movement organized 170 races in more than 30 countries, among which Beijing's race marked the first in Asia. "About 30,000 runners participated this year, 10,000 more than last year," said Linus Holmsater, an organizer of The Color Run China and local instructor of Swedish exercise craze Heyrobics. Hosting a relaxing post-race Heyrobics routine with hundreds of runners to the beat of pulsating dance music, Holmsater and two other instructors led the crowd in stretches and jumps while they continued to be showered in colorful powder. As each group of runners crossed the finish line, the Swede encouraged runners to throw packets of powder to keep alive the day's upbeat tempo. "Look up and let the aerial photographer see your hands," another organizer of the event shouted at runners, pointing to a small drone-like device circling the crowd that was promptly hit with powdered projectiles. The race, sponsored this year by American footwear manufacturer New Balance, was divided into five sections, each with scores of participants throwing packets of colored powder or even using spray guns to ensure no runner escaped unscathed. Some runners eager to be transformed into a multicolored mess slowed down at each section or even lay on the ground to soak up the fluro flurry. As the colorful crossfire eased, people targeting runners resorted to scooping clumps off the ground to continue the assault. "Do I look good? One of my friends participated last year and he had gray hair, which kept its multiple colors for many weeks after [the race]," Vidar Skjaeveland, a 45-year-old Norwegian covered from head-to-toe in different colors, told Metropolitan through laughter revealing speckled teeth. "Her biggest fear this year is whether she can get rid of the colors from her face by Monday," Skjaeveland added, gesturing at a female Chinese friend with red powder smeared all over her face. The family-friendly event attracted many youngsters wearing oversized T-shirts. They stumbled their way around the circuit trying hard to throw colored powder at adults twice their size. Mirella and Leon Coolen, a Dutch couple who has lived in Beijing for two and a half years, ran with their three young sons. The young trio of boys shouted their favorite colors at the finish line. "I like blue!" "I like green!" "I like red!" The Color Run was the Coolens' first family outing this year. The fun-filled day guaranteed it wouldn't be their last time competing in the event. "Next year we will bring more friends here," said Mirella Coolen. Young children weren't the only ones among competing families. Mu Xiangjun, 55, looked eye-catching in his curly, multicolored wig and smattering of colors all over his body. "I came here with my sister, nephew, daughter and son-in-law," said Mu. "We are all adults, but we still know how to have fun!" Even a few solemn security guards became swept up in the day's fun after runners injected a dose of color to their previously dull, gray uniforms. Rather than getting upset, the guards agreed to pose for photos with runners. The colorfest continued until late in the afternoon after the race. When thousands of runners began flocking to the subway, staff dutifully distributed ponchos to prevent runners from leaving their colorful tracks in carriages. Staff at security checks also kept busy by constantly wiping clean the conveyor belt of the X-ray machine each time a bag spattered in powder passed through. Holmsater said events such as The Color Run have been rapidly gaining popularity in China due to their carnival-like atmosphere. "Everyone is a winner in The Color Run. It is a different concept in China, where a lot of things are about 'being No. 1.' Running is just an excuse for fun," Holmsater said. Related News
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