Planning a color run? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re organizing a large fundraiser, managing a school event, or putting together a colorful day with friends, having the right color run supplies makes all the difference.
This ultimate guide is here to help you create a memorable, safe, and brilliantly colorful experience from start to finish. From choosing the right color run powder to understanding how much you need and where to get it, we’ve got you covered (literally).
What is a color run?
Before we dive into the gear, let’s break down what makes a color run special.
A color run is typically a non-competitive, untimed event where runners or walkers get doused with colored powder at various points along the route. (Though having a little competition can make it fun, too!
Awards don’t have to go to the fastest runner; they could include the best outfit, the most colorful runner, etc.) The fun builds throughout the course, and participants are head-to-toe in color by the end.
Color runs make great fundraisers, awareness campaigns, and community celebrations. The best part? Anyone can participate — no experience needed.
If you’re hosting a color run as a fundraiser or a charity, Eventbrite suggests choosing a theme and incorporating it into your advertising materials as you prepare for the event.
Start with the right color run supplies
Whether you're hosting 50 participants or 5,000, your first step is gathering the right color run supplies. And when it comes to dependable, safe, and vibrant color powders, Chameleon Colors is the go-to name (not that we’re biased or anything).
One of our most-asked questions is: How much color powder do I need for my event?
That will depend on the number of color stations you have. In a 5k color run, for example, the course is usually laid out with 3-5 color powder stations set up with volunteers who throw powder on the participants as they run by the color station.
The more color stations you have, the more color powder you’ll need. We suggest a minimum of three color stations. You’ll want at least .5 lbs of color per person, and then add .25 lbs of color powder per person for each extra color station.
For example:
3 Stations – a minimum of 1/2 pound of powder per participant
4 Stations – a minimum of 3/4 pound of color powder per participant
5 Stations- a minimum of 1 pound of color powder per participant
So, if you have 100 participants and five color stations, you would need at least 100 pounds of color powder. If you have seven stations, you’ll want 150 lbs of powder for 100 participants.
If you’re planning on a color throw at the beginning or end of your race, you’ll want more color. You can use individual packets for the runners to throw, but Chameleon Colors 25 pound bulk boxes are the most economical product to use at the color stations.
Still deciding on the sizes of the color powder you need? Here’s some more information on your options:
1. Bulk color powder
Bulk color powder is your best friend when organizing a large event. It’s ideal for color stations along the race route where volunteers toss or spray the powder onto runners as they pass. It’s also the cheapest way to do the post-race celebration, often called the “Color Throw,” where participants gather to toss powder into the air together.
However, you’ll need to prepare individual packets from the bulk powder, which is time-consuming, so individual color packets can be less of a burden on some race organizers.
At Chameleon Colors, bulk color powder comes in vibrant, safe-to-use, and environmentally friendly options. Available in 10, bold colors, ordering in bulk is cost-effective and efficient for bigger groups.
2. Color powder packets
Looking for individual servings of color fun? Color powder packets are great for participant giveaways, fundraising options, personal color throws, and pre-race activities. They’re especially useful at the finish line, where everyone can open their packet and create a cloud of color to mark the end of the run.
Chameleon Colors’ packets are pre-measured and sealed for convenience, making them ideal for organized events. Each packet holds just enough powder to make a visual impact without overwhelming your budget — or your participants.
Pro tip: Hand out packets in team colors or use them to coordinate a group photo moment!
3. Color run powder blasters (optional but awesome)
Want to add a little drama to the day? Consider using powder extinguisher blasters filled with color run powder. These are especially fun at the start line, color stations, or the grand finale. While not essential, they create a great photo op and bring energy to the crowd.
Chameleon Colors’ custom extinguisher blasters come pre-filled and ready to spray! All you need to do is select one of the ten color options.
Safety first, fun always: safety supplies for a color race
Color runs are about joy and expression, but safety is still key. Here are a few basic color run supplies to ensure your event runs smoothly:
· Use Non-Toxic, Skin-Safe Powder: All of Chameleon Colors’ products are skin-friendly and approved for use in events. Always confirm this when sourcing your color run powder.
· Eye Protection: While not mandatory, sunglasses help participants, especially kids, avoid getting powder in their eyes.
· Dust Masks or Bandanas: Optional but useful for those with sensitive respiratory systems.
Additionally, offer shaded rest areas and hydration stations along the route. For especially hot climates, check out these heat safety tips from the Red Cross to help protect participants and volunteers.
Color station supplies
Now for the fun part — designing your course!
Route basics
A typical color run route is 3.1 miles (5K), but you can scale it to your audience. Shorter distances are great for families or schools. Whatever the length, decide how many colors and color stations you want to use, then divide the course evenly by that number.
Setting up color stations
Color stations are usually a folding table stocked with bulk powder, volunteers with cups or squeeze bottles, and signage. Each color station is usually a different color. Keep the energy up with music or cheerleaders.
Volunteer tip: Make sure color throwers aim for the chest area, not faces, and keep a steady flow so no one gets left out.
Color throw supplies for the ultimate finale
The color throw, while optional, is the highlight for many participants. It usually happens after the run when everyone gathers, counts down, and tosses their color powder packets into the air to congratulate the runners for finishing the race.
For this to work:
· Distribute packets toward the end of the run.
· Use a countdown to sync the throw.
· Have someone capture the moment — it’s the best photo of the day.
Chameleon Colors’ packets are perfect for this moment. The powder is lightweight enough to create impressive clouds, but dense enough for vibrant bursts.
Cleanup supplies and what to expect after the fun
You’ve thrown the color, you’ve danced at the finish line, and now it’s time to wrap it up.
What stays, what goes
Color powder from Chameleon Colors washes off skin and hair with regular soap and water. It’s best to dust off as much of the powder while it’s dry, then wash in a regular wash. Blonde hair and some clothes may hold a little tint and require repeated washings.
Tell participants to wear white shirts for the best color effect and old shoes they don’t mind coloring if they want to keep a keepsake from the event!
Pro Cleanup Tip: Leaf blowers are great for cleaning pavement or sidewalks after the event. If your event is on grass, a little water helps the powder dissolve naturally.
Extra tips for an epic color run
1. Themes and add-ons
Want to make your event stand out? Try a theme like:
· Neon Run
· Unicorn Dash (Light color powder and tutus)
· School Spirit Day (team colors from school t-shirts)
2. Photo booths
Set up a color-streaked backdrop where participants can snap pics. Provide props or signs, and you’ve got a ready-made social media moment.
3. Music and MCs
A live DJ or emcee keeps the vibe going before, during, and after the run. Announce color throws, run waves, and top fundraisers with flair.
4. Swag bags
Swag bags are a great option for fundraisers! Customize each bag by fundraising tier. Ideas to include include a packet of color powder, a headband, sunglasses, and a t-shirt in a branded swag bag.
Why choose Chameleon Colors for your color run?
There are lots of options for color powder out there, but Chameleon Colors leads the pack with high-quality, safe, and consistent products.
Our powders are:
· Non-toxic and skin-safe
· Easy to clean
· Available in bulk or individual packets
· Eco-conscious and vibrant
If you're serious about creating a smooth, memorable, and vibrant event, Chameleon Colors has everything you need to make your color run a hit. Plus, we offer discounts for schools, non-profits, summer camps, and more! Call us for pricing inquiries on bulk orders.
Wrap-up: let the color fly!
Hosting a color run is a surefire way to bring people together. It’s bright, it’s inclusive, and it’s full of energy. But the real magic comes when the right planning meets the right supplies. With bulk color powder, color powder packets, or even color powder extinguisher blasters from Chameleon Colors, you’ll be setting the stage for unforgettable memories.
So get out there, set the date, round up your runners, and let the color fly!