Abu Dhabi’s iconic Yas Marina Circuit was awash with color today, as more than 7,000 people ran, walked, jogged and danced their way round the world-famous circuit at The Color Run.
Untimed and without official winners, the “Happiest 5k on the Planet” promotes a healthy, active lifestyle and uniting people from across the capital as Color Runners of all shapes and sizes took to the track.
Crossing the start line in white, it didn’t take long before the thousands of participants created a veritable kaleidoscope of colour, as they were showered in vibrant coloured powder at one kilometre intervals around the course.
Upon completing the five kilometre circuit, runners were met with pumping music, as the Finish Festival exploded into life with a live DJ, family-friendly entertainment and bursts of colored powder illuminating the sky.
Dr Sven Rohte, Chief Commercial Officer of Daman, resenting sponsor of the event, said: “Today The Color Run presented by Daman’s Activelife has united the capital, bringing a unique sense of fun to all who took part whilst also promoting an active lifestyle.
“The Color Run’s key focus on community spirit and healthy living really embodies our philosophy here at Daman, as we, through our Activelife initiative, aim to inspire individuals, families and entire communities to lead healthier lives. Hopefully today’s event will be just the tip of the iceberg for many, as the community are encouraged to carry on enjoying running and in turn, lead more active lives.”
Originally founded in January 2012, in Phoenix Arizona, The Color Run phenomenon has swept the globe with events now being hosted across America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
The Abu Dhabi event was the second Color Run to visit the Middle East, following Dubai’s inaugural and hugely successful event last December.
Double Olympic Champion, Activelife Ambassador and Color Run participant, Dame Kelly Holmes commented: “The atmosphere at today’s event has been electric and once again there has been so much enthusiasm for this 5k fun run.”
“I took part in The Color Run in Dubai back in December and I’ve loved being back in the UAE, having fun and getting active in what has been another unforgettable event.”
With over 7,000 participants completing the five kilometre course by 10am before enjoying the festivities in the Finish Festival, the event ran smoothly from beginning to end with smiles to be found on the faces of all who took part.
Commenting on delivering the UAE’s second Color Run, Greg Sproule, Managing Director of IMG Middle East, said: “The Color Run is an event with truly global appeal and nowhere is that more evident than today in Abu Dhabi. To see participants of all ages, sizes and speeds captivated, is fantastic. From 17 one-year-olds to two 100-year-olds, everyone got involved.
“With two successful Color Runs now under our belts and the people of the UAE eager for more, I am sure we’ll be back soon!”
In keeping with the event’s community focus, $1 from every entry at the Color Run was donated to Operation Smile through the Just Giving platform.
