Color Run creates colorful memories | Community Spirit

by Chelsea LaForge in collaboration with Jonathan Stoner

Over 10,000 runners and walkers participated in the colorful race through downtown.

After months of planning, The Color Run finally arrived in Grand Rapids on Sunday. Over 10,000 runners and walkers lined up to run the 5k (3.1 miles) which winded through downtown. This race, like other fun runs, was not meant to be a timed, competitive event. It's called "The Happiest 5k on the Planet" for a reason.

"Seeing how happy The Color Run has made all different kinds of people has been very rewarding," says creator Travis Snyder, who was in town for the race and travels to as many cities as he can.

"I have been almost every event so far. Mostly because it’s so fun and I don’t like missing out," says Snyder. He has never raced The Color Run himself but adds, "I am dying to do one! I’m always stuck behind the scenes. Everyone in my family has participated in at least one, even my two kids ages 4 and 7."

The Color Run Firsthand

I was one of those 10,000 runners, dressed head-to-toe in white clothes. I had been looking forward to...

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