Hampstead PTSA Color FUN Run

The starting point for the 5K  is directly in front of the Hampstead Middle School.  The 5K race route is presented on the mapt. The race will end at the Hampstead MIddle School as well.  Color stations are noted with a "C" and water stations are noted with a "W", although these are subject to change.  The 1 mile fun run will take place entirely on the fields of the Hampstead Middle School.

Please note: very limited parking will be available at the Hampstead Middle School.  We recommend participants use the additional parking areas available at St. Anne’s Church and the Hampstead Central School. Participants can walk from these parking areas to HMS via the access road that runs behind St. Anne’s to the Hampstead Middle School.  There will be signs from the additional parking areas to the main event area for those unfamiliar with the area.

What time is all this color-fun happening?

Registration for both events will open at 9:00 am.  The fun run will being at approximately 10:00 am, and the 5K will begin at approximately 10:30 am.

What is the cost?

Now through May 19th the cost for registration is $30 for the 5K and $20 for the one mile fun run (available to kids 10 years old and under and an accompanying adult(s) if needed).  Participants that register by May 12th will receive a white 2019 Color Fun Run logo t-shirt and an individual color packet.  After May 12th and through May 26th registration will remain the same but registrants will not receive a t-shirt. Event day registration costs will be $35 for the 5K and $25 for the one mile fun run (no t-shirt included). Additional color packets, and a limited number of Color Fun Run Logo t-shirts will be available for sale the day of the event.  Color “gear” such as sunglasses, bandanas, etc. will also be available for sale. We want everyone to be colorful!

What is a Color Fun Run anyway?

As participants run, walk, hop and skip along the course they will encounter color stations where they will be doused with color powder by event volunteers.  Be sure to wear the white shirts provided, or other white clothing, and be prepared to cross the finish line completely covered in all the colors of the rainbow!

Why are you hosting a Color Fun Run?  

The PTSA wanted to host a fundraising event promoting health, well-being, and family fun!  All proceeds received from our generous sponsors and registrations will benefit the students and staff of the Hampstead Central School and Hampstead Middle School.

Will the 5k be timed?  

This will be an unofficially timed event.  There will be a clock available at the start/finish line and volunteers keeping time but they are not professionals. No awards for finishing places will be given.

Can I pick-up my race bib and t-shirt before June 1st?

Yes. We will have a pre-registration bib pick-up the week before the event at the Hampstead Middle School.  Time TBA. We will not take new registrations at this time.

What is the individual color packet for anyway?

We will have coordinated post-race color tosses after each event,.  Each participant will be given one packet to toss after crossing the finish line and we will have additional packets of color available for sale.

Do you need sponsors?

Yes! If you are a local business interested in becoming a sponsor for this event please contact Liz Bothwell at colorrun@hampsteadptsa.org.  We are accepting new sponsors until May 1st. We’d love to partner with you!

Can I run with my pet?

We love animals but for the safety of all, animals are not allowed at this event.

Can I take pictures?

Absolutely! Make sure you share your pics with us on our Facebook Page! If you are a photographer that would like to photograph our event, we will grant you permission with the understanding that any photographs you take may be used and edited by the Hampstead PTSA for marketing and promotional purposes with or without your written consent. By photographing our event you acknowledge and agree to this condition.

What if it rains?

This event will take place rain or shine. Only in extreme weather conditions will the event be cancelled.

Do you need Volunteers?

Yes we do! If you would like to volunteer at this event please contact Liz Bothwell at colorrun@hampsteadptsa.org .  We’d love to have you!

Color Fun Run Tips and Tricks

• Be sure to wear as much white as possible! The color powder is washable but don’t wear anything you care too much about in case any light-staining occurs.
• Don’t forget to take before and after photos!
• Remember it’s not really a race, it’s a fun run/walk geared towards families. Sure you can race if you want to, but don’t run so fast you miss out on any color!
• Bring a ziploc baggie for your phone or camera. You’ll want to take pictures but you don’t want to ruin these items.
• Sunglasses, bandanas, swim googles and buffs are all great for keeping powder out of your nose, mouth and eyes.  We will have some items available for sale the day of the event.
• Bring old towels, sheets, or large garbage bags to sit on in your car on the ride home.  Some people like to just bring a change of clothes to change into after a color event.
• Baby wipes can be used to clean off skin after the event.
• If you’d like to keep your post race color splashed t-shirt as a souvenir, remove gently & lay flat, spray generously with white vinegar until soaked, dry flat then use an iron on high heat to set the colored powder.

Other FAQ’s

Is Color Powder Safe?

We are using Color Blaze color powders and safety is their main priority as it is ours!  The colors are made with high quality cornstarch and food dyes. All materials are 100% FD&C and/or D&C grade and approved by the US FDA. However the product is not designed for consumption. If you would like a copy of the Safety Data Sheets please contact Color Blaze at 888-252-6567 or email them at info@colorblaze.com

Is it harmful if you inhale it?

Although all the materials are food grade they do not recommend inhaling large quantities of color powder. Anyone who has asthma, is allergic to any of the ingredients or has any respiratory issues should exercise caution when participating in color powder events. It should also always be used in well ventilated outdoor space.

Does Color Powder Stain Clothing?

Color Blaze color powder washes out of most clothing. However, it can stain some materials. 100% cotton clothing is recommended and typical machine washing with stain remover, removes the stains. They recommend removing excess powder from clothing before washing and/or applying water.

Does Color Powder Stain Skin or Hair?

Just as with clothing they recommend shaking off all excess powder before exposing to water. Normal soap and water should remove color powder from skin and hair. Some color does tend to linger for a few days especially on blonde hair. If you are worried about staining, they recommend applying a moisturizer to skin and coating your hair with a small amount of coconut or olive oil before the event.

Will Color Powder Stain Cement or Grass?

Most color powder can be removed from cement and streets with a hose. If needed some liquid detergent and a power washer can help remove the powder. Normal liquid dish detergent and/or de-greaser will remove Color Powder from cement and paved areas. Simply running the sprinklers and/or mowing the grass will remove color powder from grassy areas.