DUBAI // Rainbow-coloured paints, fancy dress, DJs, dancing and screams of excitement are not the usual trappings for a 5km run.
But Saturday’s Colour Run – dubbed “the happiest 5k” – was more of a party than a gruelling event.
About 12,000 runners took part in the second annual Dubai run, which has become an international event.
Runners could not reach the starting line quickly enough, dancing and running as they filed through Motor City to Dubai Autodrome.
Beaming smiles were the order of the day, with pink the main colour of choice as everyone from children to grandparents danced through the morning.
Mostly made up of women (69 per cent) and novice runners, the event’s participants were doused in paint as they wound their way around the autodrome.
More paint was sprayed beyond the finishing line as participants, still buzzing from the event, danced to the sounds of the event’s DJs.
Almost a third of the runners (27 per cent) were aged under 18, showing the keenness of the young generation to become involved in health and fitness activities.
Runners ranged from toddlers to a 73-year-old entrant. Many came in fancy dress, sporting wigs, tutus and facepaint.
Swiss expatriates Alexandra and Gilles Dumont took their three children – Sophia, 10, Arthur, 4, and Vadim, 7 – to the event.
The idea of a 5km walk or jog did not faze the family, as they often walk long distances on holidays.
“It’s the first time we’ve done an event like this as a family,” said Mrs Dumont.
She said several of their friends had encouraged them to join in.
Mr Dumont, a veteran of competitive running, cycling and cross-country skiing races, said: “We’re used to walking long distances, even the little one. It’s just something fun to participate in.”
Mrs Dumont said the event spread a positive, healthy message and was a manageable distance for most people, so it encouraging more to take part.
But she said it was expensive for the family.
“For us as a family of five, it’s cost us over Dh1,000 so it’s quite expensive, but it’s really good to have family events like this.”
Mr Dumont said: “The children get to feel the same atmosphere as a competitive race, wearing the numbers, feeling the competitive spirit, but in a fun way.
“I think it’s great. It’s a lead by example thing. If kids see parents doing things like this, they will be motivated to do more.
“Our family don’t need this but for many it’s a good incentive.”
The event was sold out several weeks ago, leading organisers to add another 3,000 spaces on top of last year’s 9,000.
Noha Samy, from Egypt, took her son Omar, 10. They joined friends in the run.
“It’s my first run,” Mrs Samy said. “Most of my friends had signed up so I thought it was a nice chance to go with my son.”
Although she tries to work out once or twice a week, she does not have a regular routine.
Mrs Samy said the event was less daunting than others. “It’s a fun event so even if you want to walk it, you can.”
British expatriate Gemma Stanton, 29, hoped the run would push her back into her fitness routine.
She had not done a 5km run before.
“It’s the fun factor that attracts people to this,” Ms Stanton said.
“Many of the events are 10km or more but this is less serious. There are so many kids and families here. Five kilometres is a good distance.”
Greg Sproule, managing director of IMG Middle East, the organiser of the Colour Run, said the its popularity reflected a change in the community’s attitude towards healthy living.
“The numbers truly do reflect a changing Dubai where people are getting excited about exercise and leading fit and healthy lifestyles,” Mr Sproule said.
Since it launched in 2012, the Colour Run has become the single largest event series in the United States and is gaining traction around the world.
Other participating cities have included Barcelona, Los Angeles and Sydney.
mswan@thenational.ae
