Run or Dye

Today I took part in a fun event called Run or Dye. It was one of those runs that you do not even think about wearing the Garmin as this was all about fun and celebrating the joy of running. A few years ago, I would not even consider taking part in such an event, not because I was over weight and could not run but do to the fact this would have been outside of my comfort zone.

Starting Out Nice and Clean

Even though this run started at 9:00am, there was a party atmosphere in the air. The music was blasting and people danced while they waited the start of the race. It was a wave start so that there would not be a large number of runners going through the dye stations. The DJs kept the crowd of runners engaged as they awaited their start by throwing out prizes and encouraging people to dance.

The race attracted people of all ages and fitness levels. It certainly was a family event with a large amount of children running as well as in strollers. It was a delight to see the kids throwing dye at their parents and everyone laughing.

The race was held at a local horse racing track which to our delight did not have any nasty horse manure odor, especially on such a warm day. The race course wound its way around part of the race track and on a few trails. At about every kilometre or so, there were people waiting to throw coloured corn starch dye at you. Now in some of the stations, the amount of dye that got on you was limited due to wind. Well, I wanted to get my money’s worth so I scoped up some dye and tossed on myself which seemed like a good idea at the time.

Yellow Station

Orange Station (yes I like orange)

Purple Station

Once through all the dye stations and crossing the finish line, it was time to join the party at the stage. We were all given a packet of dye to use durning the party at times announced by the DJs. This was also a great time for picture taking. Though most people wore white t-shirts and shorts, there were some people that really got into the day. There were ballerinas, bears, masked people but the most unique were a few ladies wearing their old wedding dresses.

Not all runs/races need to be serious or about breaking a personal best time. It is races like this that allow you feel like a kid again, truly enjoy the freedom that is running or celebrating new found fitness. I encourage everyone to find races like this, to find that inner child that is looking to come out.

Until next time…..

A child who does not play is not a child, but the man who does not play has lost forever the child who lived in him. ~Pablo Neruda