The happiest 5km in Melbourne

Last Sunday was a very sportive day for us. Kai was playing his last round of Junior League tennis (they won and are now in the finals!) and Luka and I got ready for the happiest 5km in Melbourne: this year’s Color Run.

We had gotten our starter packs on Friday, which included our starting numbers, a white t-shirt with logo, a free train pass and the very stylish headband. We added some pants, old runners and sunnies, put on some sunscreen, and we were ready to go.

We were to meet some of my colleagues at Southern Cross Station, so we could go to the Flemington Race Course together. Since we were there on Dutch time (20 minutes early, as trains only run every half hour on Sunday morning), but the rest were on Australian time (5 minutes late), we had plenty of time to start the day in true Melbournian fashion: with a Flat White for dad and a Hot Chocolate for Luka.

While waiting we already saw a lot of other white t-shirts arriving and getting ready to board the special trains that would take us out to the course that is also the place that hosts the race that stops the nation.

Once off the train we were ushered on our way by a lot of friendly helpers in bright t-shirts. But, to be honest, that wasn’t even really needed. There was enough crowd to follow.

The Color Run is much more than just a chance to get colorful while running/walking/strolling along 5km of parkland next to the race course (no, we were not allowed on the actual grass…). It’s also a fun festival with several sponsor stands and a bit stage with music and entertainment.

The race was supposed to start at 10am, and was pretty much on time.

And we were by far not the last. There were still people starting the race while we were almost done.

Along the course there were several stations with foam canons and helpers throwing paint powder at you, giving the event its name.

Starting with orange and blue, there were also stations with gold and sliver glitter, pink and purple.

And the party wasn’t over yet. At the finish gate we no only received our medals, but also bags of more powder to play around with.

By lunch time were were exhausted but very happy and made our way back home.

Luka and I had a blast and it was well worth the early morning. Definitely an event to go to again! (I hear that there is a Dutch edition as well…)