The Color Run Queens

The Color Run Queens

The Color Run Queens

( 1 review )
100% of reviewers recommend this race
  • Queens,
    New York,
    United States
  • May
  • 3 miles/5K
  • Road Race
  • Event Website

Ciara Doll

Los Angeles, California, United States
18 41
2017
"First Major "Fun" Run -- Absolute Blast! "
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Ciara Doll's thoughts:

Do you like to have fun? Who doesn't? This race is an absolute PARTY! From the amazing pre and post-race parties, running Citi Field, to the color blast stations, you are in for one of the best 5k races of your life!

Pre-Run:
There's only one race to sign up for here and that's the 5k. Online registration allows you to customize your swag bag through levels -- the most basic being a shirt and medal, all the way up to bundles of merchandise from the race store. The mascot of the race is a unicorn, but usually each race has a slightly different theme -- superheroes, flower power, etc. The site highly encourages you to come dressed in clothing you don't mind staining -- I can't speak for all fabrics, but I will say that I've run multiple color runs before, and I've never had anything permanently stain. (Don't come at me in the comments if your shorts are ruined!) This race is located in and around Citi Field, home of the Mets. There's a SUPER convenient subway station that drops off steps from the start/finish, but you can also Uber or drive if you're coming in from outside of NYC. The pre-race party featured various fitness instructors leading dance warm-up stretches, a DJ, and various booths of sponsors and Color Run merch vendors selling products and offering freebies. Love free stuff? THIS IS YOUR RACE.

The Race:
This is an untimed race. There are no official corrals and you line yourself up. The hosts are super energetic and blast music and confetti at the start of each wave of runners. Expect the waves to move pretty quickly. The best part of this course is the start -- beginning INSIDE Citi Field in the main hallway behind the lower stands. The course leads you down the back halls of the stadium and out onto the field, where you run around the outer edge of the field before heading out and doing numerous S turns through the parking lot. Once you get through the stadium, this course really has nothing to look at, but the directors do a great job of placing the color blast zones and bubble machines around so that you aren't constantly reminded you're doing donuts in a parking lot. You WILL get color powder on you. This is unavoidable. But DO NOT OPEN YOUR MOUTH OR SMILE IN THE BLAST ZONE. You will get a mouthful of powder that tastes like chalk and cannot be washed out of your tastebuds for hours. This is literally my most important tip for this entire event. Wear a buff or bandana and you will have a much better time!

Post-Race:
At the end of the race, volunteers give you your medal and a packet of color powder. There's a massive stage set up with a DJ blasting music -- on a countdown cue, you're encouraged to rip open the packet and toss it into the air, creating a giant color powder wave that is SO MUCH FUN! I think this is the longest I've ever stayed at a post-race party!

Tips:
- COVER YOUR MOUTH. COVER YOUR MOUTH. COVER YOUR MOUTH.
- If you're running with your phone, watch out for color powder getting in the tiny cracks too. If you have one, a waterproof case has a great unconventional purpose here!
- Wear clothes you don't mind getting messy in. (If you are all about Instagram photos, wear white and the powder will really stand out.)
- Make time to arrive early and enjoy the pre-race party! It's a great way to get into the spirit!
- Don't rush off after the run! There's always a SUPER fun post-race party!

Final Thoughts:
They aren't kidding when they say it's the "Happiest 5k" -- don't miss this race if you love a good fun run!

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