Color Me United | Do's and Dont's

Whether this is your first color run event or you're a seasoned pro, here are some Color Me United 5K tips we know you'll appreciate!

DO wear light colors. Color powder shows up best on white or light colored clothing. Register soon to guarantee your white Live United t-shirt!

DO check the weather. We are keeping our fingers crossed for perfect weather (cross yours too!), but Mother Nature has a mind of her own. Pay attention to the temperatures for the day and dress accordingly (layering can be a lifesaver).

DO bring a stroller for little ones. Parents of young children are more than welcome to bring along a stroller for the kiddos. It's much easier than having to carry them, and is a great way to bring along water and other items. Just know that it will get colorful!

DO wear sunglasses. Our color powder is non-toxic, but getting it in your eyes is no picnic. Wearing sunglasses can help ensure your eyes stay color-free!

DO dress up! Think Homecoming Week meets Halloween meets, well… Color Me United! Break out your tutu’s and rainbow socks, and the most colorful things you can find!

DON’T forget to stretch first! A pulled hamstring can really put a damper on your 5K experience. Don’t forget to do your stretches before you head to the starting line!

DO slow down through color stations. Take your time through color stations. Volunteers will have more time to douse you with color!

DON'T run with your mouth open. Again, our color powder is non-toxic, but a mouthful (or lung-full) isn’t a fun experience. Make sure to breathe through your nose when you pass through our color stations.

DON’T focus on time so much. This is a fun run after all! Take your time and enjoy the experience!

DON’T run by yourself! Recruit your friends and family to run with you! Everything is more fun when you do it with people you love!

DO join us for the Finish Line Color Party! A new addition to this year’s event is the Finish Line Color Party! You won’t want to miss this chance to get even more colorful, as you cool down after the run.

DO pack baby wipes! These can be lifesavers when it comes to removing color powder.

DO protect your vehicle interior. Remember to bring a change of clothing, or towels for the ride home. Car interiors are already hard to clean, and color powder makes the job more difficult.

DO tag United Way of Mahaska County in your photos! We LOVE seeing how much fun you had at the 5K! Don’t forget to share in the FB event, on our FB page, or just tag us!