The Color Vibe 5K in Des Moines

The Color Vibe 5K in Des Moines

By Katie Dillman

Long distance runs have become a cliche: sweaty runners, pumped­up crowds, unflattering lycra pants. The Des Moines Color Vibe 5K Run — a five ­kilometer race that lures families from across the Midwest and beyond — puts a contemporary, colorful spin on the conventional mini marathon. It’s like a Picasso painting come to life, a cornucopia of color in the heart of DeMo. The “rules” are simple: entrants race around a track and throw soft, multi­colored paint powder at other runners when they enter designated “color zones,” located at each kilometer. On your mark, get set, throw!

The Paint

The paint is completely safe — it’s made from non­flammable, non­toxic cornstarch — and can be washed out of clothes after the event (still, Color Vibe recommends entrants wear something they don’t mind getting dirty). Once runners get to the finishing post, their once ­white t-­shirts are splashed with rich, radiant powder in a kaleidoscope of shades: mustard yellow, magenta, lime green.

The Details

This year’s run takes place at Principal Park on Sept 24, 2016, just after children return to school. The race starts at 9 a.m. and has been designed with mothers in mind: Principal Park has a locker room where moms can stash a change of clothes and post­race sandwiches (top tip: protein­ rich tuna and chicken replenish sore muscles after the race!). Heck, even parents with strollers can make their way around the track.

The Color Vibe 5K in Des Moines - dsm4kids.com
Photo credit: Color Vibe Facebook

The Vibe

Unlike the super­competitive IMT Des Moines Marathon — which is held in October at Cowles Commons, less than a mile from Principal Park — Color Vibe has a carnival­ like atmosphere: entrants take selfies and wear creative costumes. Kids love taking part, too. Not only will the race introduce little ones to the joys of an active lifestyle, but they’ll look forward to a sprinkling of paint powder at each color zone.

After the event, runners and spectators show of their dance moves at the finish line to Top 40 hits, which are played over the stadium’s loudspeaker system. It’s a colorful party that can be enjoyed by all ages and any skill level of runners, joggers, skippers, or walkers.

The Prices

Families that want to take part in Color Vibe can register online, where tickets cost $60 for individual runners and $55 for those running as part of a team. Everything’s included in the price — entry tickets, a paint pack, and a race bib — and kids, aged between one and 12, run for FREE. Prices go up on race day ($70 for individual runners, $65 for team runners, $15 for kids), so families should book ahead.

Des Moines’ Principal Park will be awash in color this September as Color Vibe attracts moms and kids looking for a fun­filled morning. Everyone’s welcome: participants don’t need the speed of Usain Bolt or Carl Lewis to take part, and the race isn’t timed. Phew!

About Katie

Katie Dillman is a Communications Coordinator with Premier Glow, an online retailer of glow products. She enjoys working with businesses through copywriting to share ideas that connect with their audience

Photo credits: Color Vibe Facebook