Fun run to turn Soweto into a kaleidoscope of colours

14 April 2016

 

The blue and white, white and green Zionist church uniforms will compete with a burst of rainbow colours when hundreds of people take part in the first-ever Colour Run in Soweto on Sunday April 17.

The Colour Run was founded by Travis Snyder, a resident of Utah in the United States, in March 2011 to promote healthiness and happiness by bringing communities together to participate in the “Happiest 5k on the Planet”.

It has since become the single-largest event series in the world, hosting more than 200 fun runs in more than 50 countries. The un-timed race attracts thousands of people, or Colour Runners, who are doused in different colours from head to toe at each kilometre they complete. The race has only two rules: wear white at the starting line and finish plastered in colour.

At each kilometre mark, colour powder will fill the air and cover participants, creating an ever-increasing rainbow spectrum. At the finish line, a festival of dazzling colour welcomes participants, who then join in the colour throwing fun.

This will culminate in an unforgettable finish festival, to be hosted by Yfm DJs and characterised by music, dancing and massive colour throws to create millions of vivid colour combinations to raise funds for charity.

The race starts at 10am at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto campus. Johannesburg Metro Police Department officers will ensure the safety of the “Colour Runners” so they can leave a rainbow trail in their wake.

Laura Vercueli of Joburg Tourism, the City of Johannesburg’s tourism entity, says the race presents an opportunity for participants to plan a day out in Soweto and explore and experience its rich heritage and lifestyle attractions.

“Soweto’s to-do list offers a feast for all, starting with the rich heritage landmarks on Vilakazi Street and the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum to bungee jumping off the Orlando Towers and exploring the local taste delicacies on offer at Wandies.

“The Colour Run will be attracting participants from across Johannesburg and we encourage all of them to enjoy and experience some of the rich cultural and lifestyle attractions in and around Soweto either before or after the event,” says Vercueil.

Find out more about what to see and do in Soweto by visiting Joburg Tourism’s website www.joburgtourism.com

Log onto www.thecolorrun.co.za for ticket purchases and more information on the Color Run.