“The happiest 5K on the planet.”
Hues of pink and orange filled the air as Orange County hosted it’s first 5k color run.
A sea of white started to form as over 12 thousand runners gathered to take part in Orange County’s color run on Saturday, May 10. This was the first year that Orange County has hosted this event, which will take place in three other locations as well throughout Southern California.
The color run is not only in Southern California, but they event has gone nationwide to cities across the United States. These events have been so popular that they trend on Twitter and Facebook for weeks before and after the event takes place.
Runners were required to wear white T-shirts, and were doused in color made of cornstarch as they ran the race.
There was a large group of people who came with their white shirts on who were especially excited to be doused in pink corn starch, and that was Diane Edwards’ group. The color run is a great way for people to gather and support their own charities and wellness causes, and Edwards was no different.
“I ran the race to support my fight with breast cancer,” said Edwards. “It gave me a chance to spread my story to others.”
Edwards was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 25 and has been clear of all breast cancer for the last 20 years. Yet every year, she makes it her mission to find ways to raise breast cancer awareness, and this 5K was no different.
“I have been free of breast cancer for years, but that doesn’t mean that i’m not still fighting for my life every day,” said Edwards. “Events like the color run make it easier for me and so many other people to bring awareness to what they hold most dear to their hearts.”
The color run, which started in 2011, began as a way to promote health, wellness and overall happiness to communities. While most races give a sense of competition, the color run was created for everyone to enjoy, both runners and non-runners a like.
“The color run is by far the most fun I have ever had running in my life,” said Ashley Anderson, 19, business major. “Who doesn’t like ending a race in a cloud of pink?”
The color run runs annually in the United States in over 50 cities, and is expected to grow even more in the next couple of years. Allison Garcia, a 18 year old communications major, ” I have seen so many photos of the color run on Facebook and Instagram, I definitely plan on signing up next year, especially if they bring the race closer to Cypress”.
The color run has been so successful that their is a good chance that more of these colorful 5k events will be located closer to Cypress College. Events like he color run definitely make it a fun way for students to gather together for their local charities.
