Color Blast 5k Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Color Blast 5k?
A unique experience focused less on speed and more on crazy color fun with friends and family. Color runners come from all different ages, shapes, sizes, and speeds; but everyone has a blast. Whether you are a casual morning mall walker or an Olympic athlete, the 3.1 mile course will be the most memorable and colorful run of your life!
Is the color powder safe?
Along the 3.1 mile course runners/walkers are blitzed by our volunteers, sponsors, and staff with COLOR. All products are 100% natural and safe and is a mixture of cornstarch and food color.
Who will benefit from the Color Blast 5k?
We are pleased to announce that 5 local non-profit organizations who support individuals with different abilities will share in the proceeds. Puzzle Pieces, Team Karlie, Green River Area Down Syndrome Association, Dream Riders of Kentucky, as well giving back to the WHAS Crusade for Children located in Louisville. This event will also bring fun, memories, and loads of fund to our community. We are celebrating ability awareness!
Do I need to be a runner to do this?
NO! The Color Blast 5k event is all about a color crazy day with friends and family. You can run, walk, crawl, or cartwheel if you wish! No bicycles though.
How does a “Team”work compared with a solo runner?
Register as a (8 minimum/infinity max) unit rather than as an individual. You pick a custom team name and then run/walk together and “help” each other get really colored up over the course. There is no “relay” component and team members can finish together as a unit or separately. Please note that each individual of a “team” will be required to pay the individual rate and register individually, and you MUST specify on the registration form if you are with a Team. There is no group or family rate. The top 3 teams with the most individuals entered will be recognized at our event.
What is included with my Color Blast 5k registration?
Runners will receive a race shirt and race number before the race and a bag of Color after the race (the bag of color will be used during our celebration after party to do a count-down to a color blast effect to unite everyone together: one big color party).
Can I run with a jogging stroller and my kids?
ABSOLUTELY!! If you choose to participate with your children in a jogging stroller, please understand that your stroller will also be colored.
Can I run with my dog?
NO DOGS please at any of our races.
Is there an age limit for younger runners?
No age limits. If they can cover (running, jogging, walking, strolling) the 3.1 miles of the course, they can absolutely do the Color Blast 5k! All kids 5 and under can run with an adult FREE of charge and do not need to register! Remember though, as soon as they turn 6 they will need to register, however you should register them if you want your 5 and under child to receive a race shirt and color packet.
Do I have to wear white?
As long as runners wear shirts that are mostly white, you are totally good. They can include team logos and any other image you see fit. Shorts/pants don’t need to be white unless you want. It is really just more fun to run starting in white and ending, well…. COLORFIED!!!!!
How is the color administered?
It is thrown up in the air and is similar to getting into a powdered sugar food fight.
How do I receive my packet of color?
By tearing off the lower left tab of your racing number. THIS IS THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN RECEIVE YOUR COLOR AND PLEASE BE AWARE YOU CAN NOT PICK A SPECIFIC COLOR.
Will the color ruin clothes or running shoes?
The “color” does mostly wash out after the event. As with anything dirty, the sooner you wash it the better. We suggest wearing items that you wouldn’t mind getting colorful. If you would like to preserve the color in your running shirt, spray it with vinegar and iron it before you wash it. Using the same tactics you use protect your “special parts” from the sun and wanton eyes. Clothing, for starters, works wonders for keeping your skin as soft, supple, and as unseen as a baby’s backside. Goggles, glasses, shirts, shorts, shoes, cooking aprons, hospital gowns, or radiation suits can be worn to protect you from the frequent blasts of color, and any stray UV rays from holes in the ozone overhead.
Does the color affect runner vision? Or breathing?
The colors tossed are food grade cornstarch and are 100% natural and SAFE. As with any substance, you want to keep it out of your eyes and our “certified” color throwers make sure to aim low as you pass by. Some participants opt to wear glasses or goggles for their eyes and use a bandana or dust mask for their mouths. If you have asthma or breathing problems please be aware that this is powdered corn starch thrown in the air and you will have to use your best judgment on whether this will affect you.
How does the color affect the inside of cars?
Most people bring some towels for the insides of their cars, just in case.
Can spectators attend the Before Race Party?
Absolutely! If you don’t have the desire to participate in the 3.1 mile event, please come down and show your support. You can be a part of the Color Pre-Race Party (which will start around 7:30am).
Is the Color Blast 5k timed?
This is not a timed event. We suggest self-timing for anyone desiring a finish time.
What if I can’t participate in the event, but want to make a donation because I want to show my support?
You can make a tax deductible donation to Color Blast 5k instead. Checks should be made out to Color Blast 5k/SNAP and can be mailed to Color Blast 5k, c/o Puzzle Pieces, 2401 New Hartford Rd. Owensboro, KY 42303
When does the Color Throwing STOP?
We will announce when the color throwing will stop. We ask ALL participants and supporters to discard the extra powder in trash cans at Moreland Park. The city is a proud supporter/sponsor and we want to continue to do this event in years to come, so please help us limit the color throwing to the race course and designated areas! Thank you so much!
Are there refunds?
Unfortunately, we cannot issue any refunds. The logistics of setting up and planning an event this size for the five non-profits make it impossible to issue refunds. This is a rain or shine event and will not be rescheduled. Just make sure you are good to go before signing up.
Can I just volunteer?
Absolutely! Please keep in mind that volunteers need to be at least 14 years old. Just visit our Volunteer Page if interested. We welcome the help!
What if I have a question that isn’t answered here?
Please email contact@puzzle-pieces.org if we haven't answered your questions on this extensive FAQ page. Thank you and we can’t wait to have a colorful day of fun for ability awareness!
A unique experience focused less on speed and more on crazy color fun with friends and family. Color runners come from all different ages, shapes, sizes, and speeds; but everyone has a blast. Whether you are a casual morning mall walker or an Olympic athlete, the 3.1 mile course will be the most memorable and colorful run of your life!
Is the color powder safe?
Along the 3.1 mile course runners/walkers are blitzed by our volunteers, sponsors, and staff with COLOR. All products are 100% natural and safe and is a mixture of cornstarch and food color.
Who will benefit from the Color Blast 5k?
We are pleased to announce that 5 local non-profit organizations who support individuals with different abilities will share in the proceeds. Puzzle Pieces, Team Karlie, Green River Area Down Syndrome Association, Dream Riders of Kentucky, as well giving back to the WHAS Crusade for Children located in Louisville. This event will also bring fun, memories, and loads of fund to our community. We are celebrating ability awareness!
Do I need to be a runner to do this?
NO! The Color Blast 5k event is all about a color crazy day with friends and family. You can run, walk, crawl, or cartwheel if you wish! No bicycles though.
How does a “Team”work compared with a solo runner?
Register as a (8 minimum/infinity max) unit rather than as an individual. You pick a custom team name and then run/walk together and “help” each other get really colored up over the course. There is no “relay” component and team members can finish together as a unit or separately. Please note that each individual of a “team” will be required to pay the individual rate and register individually, and you MUST specify on the registration form if you are with a Team. There is no group or family rate. The top 3 teams with the most individuals entered will be recognized at our event.
What is included with my Color Blast 5k registration?
Runners will receive a race shirt and race number before the race and a bag of Color after the race (the bag of color will be used during our celebration after party to do a count-down to a color blast effect to unite everyone together: one big color party).
Can I run with a jogging stroller and my kids?
ABSOLUTELY!! If you choose to participate with your children in a jogging stroller, please understand that your stroller will also be colored.
Can I run with my dog?
NO DOGS please at any of our races.
Is there an age limit for younger runners?
No age limits. If they can cover (running, jogging, walking, strolling) the 3.1 miles of the course, they can absolutely do the Color Blast 5k! All kids 5 and under can run with an adult FREE of charge and do not need to register! Remember though, as soon as they turn 6 they will need to register, however you should register them if you want your 5 and under child to receive a race shirt and color packet.
Do I have to wear white?
As long as runners wear shirts that are mostly white, you are totally good. They can include team logos and any other image you see fit. Shorts/pants don’t need to be white unless you want. It is really just more fun to run starting in white and ending, well…. COLORFIED!!!!!
How is the color administered?
It is thrown up in the air and is similar to getting into a powdered sugar food fight.
How do I receive my packet of color?
By tearing off the lower left tab of your racing number. THIS IS THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN RECEIVE YOUR COLOR AND PLEASE BE AWARE YOU CAN NOT PICK A SPECIFIC COLOR.
Will the color ruin clothes or running shoes?
The “color” does mostly wash out after the event. As with anything dirty, the sooner you wash it the better. We suggest wearing items that you wouldn’t mind getting colorful. If you would like to preserve the color in your running shirt, spray it with vinegar and iron it before you wash it. Using the same tactics you use protect your “special parts” from the sun and wanton eyes. Clothing, for starters, works wonders for keeping your skin as soft, supple, and as unseen as a baby’s backside. Goggles, glasses, shirts, shorts, shoes, cooking aprons, hospital gowns, or radiation suits can be worn to protect you from the frequent blasts of color, and any stray UV rays from holes in the ozone overhead.
Does the color affect runner vision? Or breathing?
The colors tossed are food grade cornstarch and are 100% natural and SAFE. As with any substance, you want to keep it out of your eyes and our “certified” color throwers make sure to aim low as you pass by. Some participants opt to wear glasses or goggles for their eyes and use a bandana or dust mask for their mouths. If you have asthma or breathing problems please be aware that this is powdered corn starch thrown in the air and you will have to use your best judgment on whether this will affect you.
How does the color affect the inside of cars?
Most people bring some towels for the insides of their cars, just in case.
Can spectators attend the Before Race Party?
Absolutely! If you don’t have the desire to participate in the 3.1 mile event, please come down and show your support. You can be a part of the Color Pre-Race Party (which will start around 7:30am).
Is the Color Blast 5k timed?
This is not a timed event. We suggest self-timing for anyone desiring a finish time.
What if I can’t participate in the event, but want to make a donation because I want to show my support?
You can make a tax deductible donation to Color Blast 5k instead. Checks should be made out to Color Blast 5k/SNAP and can be mailed to Color Blast 5k, c/o Puzzle Pieces, 2401 New Hartford Rd. Owensboro, KY 42303
When does the Color Throwing STOP?
We will announce when the color throwing will stop. We ask ALL participants and supporters to discard the extra powder in trash cans at Moreland Park. The city is a proud supporter/sponsor and we want to continue to do this event in years to come, so please help us limit the color throwing to the race course and designated areas! Thank you so much!
Are there refunds?
Unfortunately, we cannot issue any refunds. The logistics of setting up and planning an event this size for the five non-profits make it impossible to issue refunds. This is a rain or shine event and will not be rescheduled. Just make sure you are good to go before signing up.
Can I just volunteer?
Absolutely! Please keep in mind that volunteers need to be at least 14 years old. Just visit our Volunteer Page if interested. We welcome the help!
What if I have a question that isn’t answered here?
Please email contact@puzzle-pieces.org if we haven't answered your questions on this extensive FAQ page. Thank you and we can’t wait to have a colorful day of fun for ability awareness!