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Lucas Kempf

Splashes of color dot the course as paint flies through the air. It’s a celebration of color and everyone is invited.

Run or Dye is an annual 5k race where participants can run, walk, or sprint. At first, it sounds just like any other 5k race, however there is one component to Run or Dye making it extremely unusual. There are certain checkpoints throughout the race in which participants throw packets of dye on themselves and other people around them. The dye is simply colored cornstarch, and washes off easily.

While the Run or Dye company, Viral Events, is for-profit, they work closely with community service organizations in each Run or Dye location in order to provide publicity, financial donations and awareness for their cause.

Juniors Ashley Neitzel is participating in Run or Dye this year. The event is in St. Paul on April 26. Ashley Neitzel said she was very excited to sign up.

“This is just one (5k) I’ve heard a lot about and I know quite a few people who have been a part of it before and they’ve had very positive feedback towards it,” Neitzel said.

Neitzel signed up for multiple 5ks during 2014 as part of a bucket list with friends. She said she had heard of this race before and looked it up to see what it was about. Then, she decided to put it on her bucket list as well.

‘Run or Dye’ races happen all over the country, and huge numbers of people participate. Neitzel said she thinks this is because it’s not something people can do on an average day.

“I think people secretly love to make a mess,” Neitzel said.

Viral Events was unavailable for comment.