2014 is the 2nd year that I ran Color me Rad, and I looked forward to it from the minute I crossed the finish line last year!
I went to the Indiana State Fairgrounds on Friday night to pick up my packet, which included my race bib, a temporary tattoo (which I didn’t use because last year it took a few days for it to completely come off), a t-shirt (I really like it, and I wore my one from last year quite a bit, so I’m assuming the same will be true this year. They have men's and women's specific shirts, which is always a HUGE huge plus), and a pair of sun glasses. Packet pick up was easy, and I didn’t have to pay anything to park.
I signed up for the 9:20 wave, and parked at about 8:50 at a parking lot across the street (parking was $5 there), and took the shuttle to the starting line. Quick and easy.
The starting line people this year and last have been full of energy, and they get the crowd pretty pumped up and ready to go! They specifically give instructions for walkers to stay to the right, and runners to the left, but in both races walkers have been to the left. Apparently they don’t realize what a hassle it is for people who want to run to weave through all the strollers, etc. I love that this race is for everyone- I just wish that people would follow race instructions!
The color stations were lots of fun, and they didn’t skimp on color at all! Last year I left some of the color stations without much color on me, but this year I definitely did not!
They provide water bottles at about the 2 mile mark, and especially with the heat and humidity it was nice. The humidity was disgusting, and the temperature wasn’t so ideal. Sweat was dripping down my face (I had run 2 miles before the race, and followed it up with another one, for 6 total miles, done in cotton shirt and shorts. disgusting.), and my clothes were just not breathing. The water felt fantastic.
Right before the finish line they handed out a free packet of color to toss around too. I grabbed pink because… obviously, why wouldn’t I? :)
At the finish line they provided more bottles of water and granola bars, and had a stage with music along with back drops to take pictures at with friends. From start to finish the atmosphere was just SO much fun.
I brought a towel to sit on in the car and an extra plastic bag to throw in shoes, socks, compression sleeves, spi belt, and shirt for the car ride home. This is important, as you don't want colored powder everywhere!
This race was organized so well, and I loved the energy and excitement. The race is well worth it, and you’ll have a blast if you sign up for it!

For more information about the race (including pictures), you can check out my blog recap here: http://www.thelittlethingsblog.com/color-me-rad-5k-recap/