Run or Dye – Fun Run Recap

A couple weeks back I joined about 9,000 other participants in this year’s Run or Dye Color Run in San Luis Obispo, CA. We had so much fun! My girlfriends and I created a group called “Parental Colors,” and we even brought a few of our kids. I don’t know who had more fun, the kids or us adults. I mean, how often do you get to act like a child, dress up, and have fun getting so colorfully dirty?!?!

The day before the race, I went to Sports Authority (a sponsor of the race) to pick up our race packet that was comprised of our bib number, a color packet, Run or Dye tee shirt and a pull-string backpack. Who knew I would be walking into such an event. There were tons of people waiting in line, which ended up moving a lot faster then I expected, a sales tent that had everything from extra dye packets to crazy rainbow light-up headbands amongst other swag. Fiat (another sponsor) had a booth where you could sign up to test drive their cars. I drove their 500L 4-door and I must say it’s a lot roomier then you think once you’re inside.

Photo is Property of Project Surf Camp

I really appreciate events that reach out to help support local charities.   This fun run helped raise money to support Project Surf Camp (PSC), which is based out of Morro Bay here on the Central Coast.

Project Surf Camp (PSC) is a charitable organization designed to educate individuals with special needs. Our mission is to build self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. We further provide opportunities to build social skills, improve physical fitness, develop healthy outlets for stress reduction, and foster independence. 

Early on Saturday, May 3^rd, we piled into my car – tutus and all and trekked to El Chorro Regional Park. I liked how the run was staggered allowing a few hundred runners through every 5 minutes. Knowing this I think people weren’t in a hurry to all arrive right when the race started making it not so crowed. We easily walked to the front where the music was motivating the crowd. Looking around we saw several people dressed up, but I do have to say – I think we were some of the most stylish people there with our rainbow tutus and knee-high socks. 

The course is designed to be an easy 5K (3.1 miles). Little hills here and there, but overall very doable for the novices out there. My daughter, Caitlyn wanted to be right in the action and run with my girlfriends while her twin brother, Carter, did not want to run at all. “I’m having a heart attack” is all he would say anytime I would try to get him to run. Thank goodness that children 6 and under are free to run! We weren’t the only ones walking. You don’t even need to be a runner to do this – that’s why they call it a fun run! You’re not timed, you’re just expected to leave looking like a rainbow and have fun in the process. 

The first color we came across was blue. All I could remember was a friend of mine saying, “do not screen – keep your mouth shut.” The plume of color was like driving through fog, we could hardly see where we were going. You know the volunteers were having fun throwing the colored cornstarch mixture on the runners. There must have been an endless amount of color at each dye station – it was insane!

After we finished and met up with our group we headed over to the stage where the DJ was playing fun dancing music and handing out cups of dye. If you didn’t enough color during the race, you’re bound to be doused with it here. We grabbed our cups-o-color and with the music cue the crowd throws the color into the air. So much fun!

If you haven’t signed up for this run, I strongly urge you to get out there and do it. This is a great opportunity to get your co-workers, mommy groups, and family members together for some fun exercising. Yes – bring your kids! Strollers are welcome and kids 6 and under are free!

Calling all Charlestonians!  Run or Dye is coming to you on September 20th at Exchange Park.  Use the code SCBLOG to recieve a discounted price on registration.What are you waiting for??? Join the rainbow! You can register here or search for a location near you. Looking forward to seeing you here on the Central Coast next year, Run or Dye!